South Africa Women Secure First Win in India Tour with Thrilling 12-Run Victory

 

IMAGE Courtesy - BCCI 

The South African Women's cricket team clinched their first win of the India tour, defeating the hosts by 12 runs in a closely contested match, taking a 1-0 lead across formats.

Chasing 190, India started strong with Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana building a fifty-plus partnership within the powerplay. However, Ayabonga Khaka’s return in the sixth over led to Verma's dismissal, shifting the momentum. Despite Dayalan Hemalatha's steady run-a-ball contributions, India faltered as Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk struck crucial blows in the tenth and eleventh overs.

Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur tried to stabilize the innings, but the required run rate climbed. By the 17th over, India reached 143/3, yet Nadine de Klerk’s tight 18th over and a strategic final over by the spinners restricted India, leaving them 12 runs short.

Earlier, India's decision to field first did not pay off. Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits adopted a measured approach, accumulating 44 runs in the powerplay. Brits then forged a vital 96-run partnership with Marizanne Kapp. Radha Yadav broke the partnership, dismissing Kapp for 57, but not before Brits accelerated with aggressive shots.

Despite late wickets, South Africa posted a formidable 189 runs, thanks to strong middle-order contributions. India's bowlers struggled to contain the Proteas, who capitalized on early momentum.

MATCH SCORECARD 

Harmanpreet Kaur (India Captain) said: "Yeah definitely, we didn't play good cricket overall. While fielding also, we dropped too many chances. In batting also, we played too many dot balls in the middle overs phase. Definitely, they bowled well.

They did not give us easy runs. But I think because of the dot balls, we lost it. I think we can ball accordingly and while batting also, we need to think accordingly to the situation and bat that way. Together, we will sit and discuss what could be the best decision."

This win is a significant morale boost for South Africa as they aim to maintain their momentum in the upcoming matches of the tour.