India's women's team set a positive tone for their World Cup preparations with a solid 27-run win against South Africa. The match, held at East London's Buffalo Park Stadium, saw India dominate the opening game of the Women’s T20 International Tri-Series. South Africa found the target of 148 far too steep, as their batting lineup collapsed under pressure. Deepti Sharma proved pivotal with the ball, ending the match with figures of 3/30.
Indian women scripted a fine 27-run victory over South Africa to begin their World Cup preparations on a fine note. India produced a brilliant performance to begin the Women’s T20 International Tri-Series with an impressive win at the Buffalo Park Stadium in East London. Chasing 148, the Proteas women were never in the chase as they kept losing regular wickets right from the start. All-rounder Deepti Sharma starred with the ball, finishing with figures of 3/30.
Due to Harmanpreet Kaur's illness, Smriti Mandhana stepped in as captain. India's start was shaky, as Mandhana was dismissed for only 7. The pressure mounted when Ayabonga Khaka executed a brilliant run-out to remove Harleen Deol, and Nonkululeko Mlaba immediately followed up by bowling Jemimah Rodrigues for zero. Amidst the collapse, Yastika Bhatia offered some resistance with a helpful 35.
With the top order struggling, Deepti Sharma and newcomer Amanjot Kaur stepped up, sharing a 76-run partnership for the sixth wicket to steer the innings. Sharma played a steady, anchoring hand for 33 before getting out. In contrast, the young Amanjot Kaur took the attack to the South African bowlers, finishing on an unbeaten 41. Together, they ensured India reached a defendable score of 147/6 by the end of their 20 overs.
South Africa's response was clumsy from the start, as they failed to build any significant partnerships. While Marizanne Kapp (22) and captain Sune Luus (29) fought hard to keep the game within reach, their efforts weren't enough. Despite contributions from Chloe Tryon (26), Nadine de Klerk (16), and Sinaloa Jafta (11), India sealed the victory by taking three quick wickets in the closing two overs.