South Africa women beat India women by 5 wickets; win series 4-1

South Africa women defeated India women by 5 wickets to claim an impressive 4-1 series victory. Barring the second ODI, the visitors were exceptional in the series and outplayed the hosts in every department. Laura Wolvaardt and Lizelle Lee lit up the series with their scintillating performances while the bowlers were also pretty disciplined. The series win is a complete team effort where every player played their part to perfection.

Talking about today’s match, once again Mithali Raj had no luck in the toss and was forced in to bat first. The host needed a good stand at the top but South Africa bowlers bowled great lines and dismissed the openers with not much on the board. Both, Priya Puniya and Smrithi Mandhana departed for 18 each. Punam Raut, who has been the best Indian batsmen in the series, too was dismissed for 10. India were reeling at 53-3 when Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur added 84 runs for the 4th wicket. In the previous matches, India failed to defend scores around 250 thus they were looking to break free and get some quick runs. However, a disciplined bowling effort from the South Africans didn’t allow them to cut loose. The wickets kept on tumbling as India were bowled out for 188 with Mithali Raj left stranded at 79*.

Chasing 189, South Africa were jolted by early blows as Sune Luus, Laura Wolvaardt and Lara Goodall were dismissed with just 27 on the board. However, South Africa was not chasing a big total thus they showed no rush. This was only the second instance when South Africa needed their middle order to step up and they responded with a solid effort. Mignon du Preez and Anne Bosch added 96 runs for the 4th wicket. The duo fell in quick succession but Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk prevented any further damage as they took South Africa women over the line. Rajeshwari Gaikwad was the pick of the Indian bowlers and returned with figures of 3-13 in 10 overs.