Chennai: Deepti Sharma delivered a match-winning all-round performance, including her maiden five-wicket haul in T20Is, to guide India women’s cricket team to a 14-run victory over South Africa women’s cricket team in the fourth Women’s T20I on Saturday.
Despite the win, South Africa retained control of the series, having already taken an unassailable 3-0 lead before the match.
Deepti shines with bat and ball
Deepti was the standout performer of the match, scoring an unbeaten 36 runs and later returning with exceptional bowling figures of 5/19. Her efforts proved decisive in restricting South Africa to 171 for nine while chasing a target of 186.
Her wickets included key batters such as Sune Luus, who top-scored with 40, along with Annerie Dercksen, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhu, and Ayabonga Khaka.
The off-spinner broke the backbone of South Africa’s middle order, turning the match decisively in India’s favour.
South Africa’s chase falls short
South Africa started strongly in their chase, with Luus and Tazmine Brits (30) putting together a 54-run partnership for the second wicket.
However, once Deepti dismissed Luus, the momentum shifted rapidly. Earlier, skipper Laura Wolvaardt had been bowled by pacer Kranti Goud, adding pressure on the hosts.
Despite a promising start, South Africa struggled to maintain the required run rate against disciplined Indian bowling.
India post competitive total
Earlier, India posted 185 for five after being put in to bat. The innings saw contributions from multiple batters, though none converted starts into big scores.
Jemimah Rodrigues was the top scorer with 43, playing an aggressive knock that included a standout over against spinner Nonkhu Mlaba, where she struck two sixes and two fours.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur added 22, while Anushka Sharma chipped in with 23 after coming in for the rested Smriti Mandhana.
Late surge boosts total
A crucial unbeaten partnership between Deepti and Richa Ghosh (34 not out off 18 balls) added 65 runs for the sixth wicket.
The duo accelerated in the final overs, scoring 56 runs in the last five overs to push India to a competitive total, giving their bowlers a strong platform to defend.
Conclusion
While the result did not alter the series outcome, India’s victory showcased their resilience and depth, with Deepti Sharma’s exceptional all-round display standing out as the defining factor. The performance offers a positive takeaway for India as they look to build momentum in future matches.
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