Paltan, not the result we wanted but proud of the effort from the Women in Blue. India just did not seem to have enough runs on the board, making 158/7 in 20 overs. In reply, South Africa pulled it off during the final over, to seal a six wickets victory. An iconic game for skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, featuring in her 200th T20. The first ever player to reach this milestone. A hard-fought battle indeed, but no matter what, we will always back this Indian side.

A positive start from Shafali Verma

The intent and approach from opener Shafali were a treat to watch from the very beginning. She took the attack back to the opposition with a SR of 206.67, and her 15 ball 31 added its own zing. Just when it looked, she would have a field day during the clash, speedster Shabnim Ismail applied the brakes.

Proteas bowlers apply early pressure

Marizanna Kapp, Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka and Nadine de Klerk were on top of their game plan restricting India’s top order. They did not give away any easy runs as the Women in Blue toiled hard to keep the score board ticking. From 30/1 in 2.6 overs, India found themselves at 83/4 in 10.2 overs.

 Marizanne, Shabnim pick two wickets a piece

Coming out of retirement and wearing the South Africa badge with pride Shabnim Ismail was the trump card for her side, picking the all-important wicket of Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur who looked to steady the Indian ship. She ended with 2/28 in her four overs. On the other hand, after grabbing Smriti’s wicket… Kapp picked the in-form batter Richa Sharma, snapping up 2/27 in four overs.

India was unable to get a big score on the board, ending their innings with 158/7 in 20 overs.

Charani strikes twice, including a splendid caught and bowled show

Shree Charani picked the first South African wicket, that of skipper Laura Wolvaardt on 20. Bowling slightly outside off stump, Laura went in for the lofted drive and the end result…it came straight back at Charani, who made no mistake to hold onto it. In the same over itself, she then took the wicket of Annerie Derecksen for a duck. A double wicket maiden turned into celebration for the Women in Blue. Charani is the second bowler to achieve the above feat in the tournament.

Kapp-Brits solid partnership

Kapp and Brits scored a 97 runs stand between themselves for the third wicket ensuring South Africa had the upper hand in the contest. In the process, Kapp notched up a well-deserved half ton scoring 81* off 45.

A game that went down to the wire, South Africa held their nerves when it mattered the most, winning by six wickets.

Brief Scores

India: 158/7 in 20 overs (Shafali Verma 31; Marizanne Kapp 2/27, Shabnim Ismail 2/28) lost to South Africa: 161/4 in 19.1 overs (Marizanne Kapp 81) by six wickets.