Durban, April 18: The Indian women’s cricket team faced a 6-wicket defeat against South Africa in the first match of a 5-match T20 series held on Friday.
South African captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and opted to bowl first. Indian openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana started strong, adding 46 runs for the first wicket in just 5 overs. Verma scored 34 runs off 20 balls, hitting 5 fours and 1 six, before being dismissed. Shortly after, Mandhana fell for 13 runs.
After losing 2 wickets for 48 runs, Jemimah Rodrigues and captain Harmanpreet Kaur steadied the innings. They built a solid partnership, adding 71 runs for the third wicket. Rodrigues scored 36 runs off 29 balls before getting out. Unfortunately, the lower order failed to support Kaur, who remained unbeaten on 47 runs from 33 balls, including 1 six and 5 fours. The Indian team finished their innings at 157 runs for 7 wickets in 20 overs.
For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka took 3 wickets, while Tumi Sekhukhune and N. Malaba claimed 2 and 1 wickets, respectively.
Chasing a target of 158 runs, South Africa achieved the score in 19.1 overs with 4 wickets in hand. Captain Laura Wolvaardt led from the front, scoring 51 runs off 39 balls, including 8 fours. Anneke Dirkse remained not out at 44 runs off 34 balls, contributing to a crucial 52-run partnership for the third wicket. Chloe Tryon also chipped in with 18 runs, remaining not out.
For India, Shreyanka Patil was the standout bowler, taking 2 wickets for 26 runs in 4 overs. Arundhati Reddy and Shree Chaarani each took 1 wicket.
With this victory, South Africa leads the series 1-0. The second match will take place at the same venue on Sunday.
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