In a thrilling conclusion at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday, July 9, the India women’s cricket team secured a commanding 10-wicket win over their South African counterparts in the third and final T20I of the series. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s decision to bowl first proved decisive as her bowlers delivered a stellar performance, restricting South Africa to just 84 runs.
Pooja Vastrakar emerged as the star with the ball, scalping four wickets while conceding a mere 13 runs in her spell. She was ably supported by Radha Yadav, who claimed three wickets, and contributions from Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, and Deepti Sharma, each securing a wicket to dismantle South Africa’s batting lineup.
Despite a valiant effort from Tazmin Brits, who had scored fifties in the previous T20Is, South Africa struggled to build partnerships and were eventually bowled out in 17.1 overs.
Chasing a modest target, India’s openers chased down the total without losing a wicket, showcasing their dominance and sealing a crucial victory to level the series 1-1. The second T20I had been washed out, adding to the intensity of the showdown.
The series draw marks a resilient comeback for India after South Africa had clinched the opening T20I by 12 runs. The team’s performance in the final match underscored their depth and determination, setting a positive tone as they look ahead to future challenges in international cricket.
The victory not only highlights India’s prowess in the shortest format but also signifies the growing competitiveness and excitement surrounding women’s cricket. As both teams reflect on the series, attention now turns to their upcoming campaigns, promising more exhilarating contests on the horizon.
