The South African women’s team wrapped up their T20I series against India with a resounding 4-1 triumph, powered by skipper Laura Wolvaardt’s composed leadership in the final outing. At Willowmoore Park in Benoni, they defended 155 to win by 23 runs on Monday, showcasing tactical depth and resilience.
South Africa, batting first post-toss, reached 155/6. Wolvaardt and Suné Luus ignited the innings with a 75-run powerplay salvo in nine overs. Luus’ 23 (23 balls, 1×6, 2×4) ended soon after, followed by quick losses of Tazmin Brits (2) and Annerie Dercksen (0), sliding to 82/3.
Enter the rescue act: Wolvaardt’s partnership with Anneke Bosch (8 runs) crossed the 100-mark with 24 runs off 22 balls. Tryon (12) and Jafta (16*) provided finishing touches. India’s Renuka Singh, Sree Charani, and Deepti Sharma shared six wickets, but South Africa held firm.
India’s chase faltered early. Shafali Verma (4) departed at 12/1. Anuska Sharma’s 17 (21 balls, 2×4) offered hope, but 38/3 soon became reality. Harmanpreet Kaur (22 off 28) and Bharti Fulmali (40 off 30, 2×6, 4×4) added 38 for the fourth wicket, the highest stand.
Fulmali continued valiantly, adding 23 with Deepti and 19 with Richa Ghosh (25*), but wickets tumbled. Mlaba and de Klerk’s 2/2 hauls, plus singles from Marx, Tryon, and Khaka, sealed the deal at 132/8. This victory highlights South Africa’s home dominance and Wolvaardt’s captaincy acumen in high-stakes T20s.
