In the second match of the Women’s Tri-Nation Tournament, India edged out South Africa in a nail-biting contest, securing a 15-run victory. With this win, Team India leads the points table with four points, having won both of their matches against hosts Sri Lanka and now South Africa.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur continued her good run with the coin, just like in the opening match. This time, however, she chose to set a target rather than chase. India posted a competitive total of 276/6 in 50 overs.
The foundation for the total was laid by young opener Pratika Rawal, who continued her excellent form. She shared an 83-run opening stand with vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, who contributed a steady 36 before being dismissed by Annerie Dercksen.
Pratika then stitched together another crucial 68-run partnership with Harleen Deol for the second wicket. She went on to score a blistering 76, showcasing both skill and temperament.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur played a vital anchoring role with an unbeaten 41, while Jemimah Rodrigues added a quickfire 41 off 32 balls. Richa Ghosh further boosted the total with a cameo of 24 off just 14 deliveries.
For South Africa, Nonkululeko Mlaba was the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets. Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Nadine de Klerk, and Annerie Dercksen picked up a wicket each.
Chasing 277, South Africa got off to a strong start, thanks to their openers — captain Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits — who put on a solid 140-run stand in 27.1 overs. The Indian medium-pace duo of Kashvi Gautam and Arundhati Reddy struggled to break the partnership early on.
The breakthrough came via experienced all-rounder Deepti Sharma, who dismissed Wolvaardt for 43. While Brits continued to hold one end, wickets began to fall regularly at the other.
India’s recalled off-spinner for the series, Sneh Rana, turned the match decisively with a superb spell. She picked up five key wickets, applying the brakes to South Africa’s momentum. She was deservedly named Player of the Match for her brilliant fifer.
South Africa was eventually bowled out for 261 in 48.3 overs, falling short by 15 runs.
Brief Scores:
India 276/6 in 50 overs
(Pratika Rawal 76, Harmanpreet Kaur 41*, Jemimah Rodrigues 41; Nonkululeko Mlaba 2/45)
South Africa 261 all out in 48.3 overs
(Tazmin Brits 84, Laura Wolvaardt 43; Sneh Rana 5/42, Deepti Sharma 2/37)
Result: India won by 15 runs
Player of the Match: Sneh Rana
Next Match: South Africa face hosts Sri Lanka on Friday.
