A disappointing performance from South Africa’s Women saw them slump to a 51 run defeat in the fourth T20 international at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium. With the Proteas having also lost the first T20, this result sees India clinch the five game series 2-0.
Here are our talking points from the game.
Dropped catches galore from South Africa: The Proteas Women were their own worst enemies in the field. Lara Goodall, Nadine de Klerk and Ayabonga Khaka dropped three skiers between them in the first four overs. Smriti Mandhana was given FOUR lives before eventually falling for 13.
Had the fielding been good, the visitors would’ve certainly have been chasing a more achievable total rather than the steep 141 they had to in the end.
Young Shafali Varma comes good: One of the recipients of the Proteas’ generosity on the field was teenager Shafali Verma. Out for a duck in the first T20, she could’ve again been dismissed cheaply had Goodall held on to an easy catch at mid wicket. Verma’s powerful 46 off 33, studded with five fours and two sixes, was a key reason for India getting a match winning score.
Proteas Women disappointing with the bat: Five of India’s six batsmen all struck at over a run a ball- none of the Proteas managed to do so. Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt were the only players to cross double digits, and the visitors were never really in the chase, only mustering a feeble 89/7 in response to India’s 140/4. A 51 run defeat, by T20 standards, is a massive one, and South Africa were thoroughly outplayed here.
Should Sune Luus have opted to bat first?: Like she had done in the first T20, Proteas skipper Sune Luus again won the toss and chose to field. The Proteas batting was disappointing in both games. Given that bowling appears to be their stronger suit, especially with Shabnim Ismail and Khaka upfront, Luus may have been better served by choosing to bat first and apply scoreboard pressure on India, especially with the home side’s fragile middle-order.
Proteas Women undone by spin: Six of South Africa’s seven wickets fell to spin (one was a run-out). Once Poonam Yadav claimed three wickets in the space of seven balls in the middle of the innings, the visitors’ fledgling chase was cut short, and India ran out comfortable winners.
The Proteas men take on India tomorrow in Vizag, and fans back in the Republic will be hoping that they don’t struggle similarly against Ravi Ashwin and Jadeja.
India (140/4 in 17 overs) beat South Africa (89/7 in 17 overs)