On Sunday, April 19, India Women’s cricket team lost their second game of the ongoing five-match T20I series against South Africa in Kingsmead, Durban. The ODI World Cup defending champions were defeated by eight wickets after posting a target score of 148. Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus led the momentum for South Africa and completed the run chase in 17.1 overs.
The hosts dominated the game with Wolvaardt scoring 54 off 34 balls, while Luus added 57 off 46. Their opening partnership set the momentum for the team and the remaining batters in the lineup during the run chase. The two shared a partnership of 92 runs in the game. After Wolvaardt’s dismissal in the 12th over South Africa stayed in control while comfortably securing the win.
Starting the innings, India Women managed to score a 147. Shafali Verma led the scoring with a half-century and scored up 57 off 38 balls while leading the momentum in the powerplay. She also shared a 53-run crucial partnership with Anushka Sharma when India were struggling at 99/3. After Shafali’s dismissal, the Indian team lost wickets including of captain Harmanpreet Kaur and the visitors were all out at 147.
Meanwhile, Protoes Women bowlers Tumi Sekhukhune (3/31) and Chloe Tryon (3/22) were the standout bowlers of the first innings. With the win, South Africa now lead the series by 2-0. India will try for a strong comeback in the third T20I game which is scheduled to be held in Johannesburg on Wednesday, April 22.
India women’s squad for South Africa T20I series
Indian women’s cricket team: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Sree Charani, Shreyanka Patil, Kashvee Gautam, Bharti Fulmali, Uma Chetry, Anushka Sharma
