Mignon du Preez and Anneke Bosch scored respective half centuries, as South Africa Women defeated India Women by 5 wickets in the fifth one day international in Lucknow on Wednesday.
After being sent in by South Africa skipper Sune Luus, India’s opening pair of Priya Punia and Smriti Mandhana got their team of to a steady start. The duo added 26 runs for the first wicket before the former was bowled by a brilliant delivery from Marizanne Kapp.
In-form Punam Raut and Mandhana fell cheaply as India Women were struggling at 53/3. Harmanpreet Kaur along with captain Mithali Raj steadied the ship with a solid 71 run stand for the fourth wicket. Kaur had to leave the field after suffering a cramp.
Mithali Raj continued her good form, as she reached yet another half century. The middle and lower order batsman failed to make significant contributions. Raj remained unbeaten on 79, as India were bowled out for 188 in 49.3 overs.
Nadine de Klerk was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/35.
Chasing 189, South Africa Women started disastrously by losing wickets of skipper Sune Luus, Lara Wolvaardt and Lara Goodall leaving the visitors reeling at 27/3.
The pair of Mignon du Preez and Anneke Bosch added 96 runs for the fourth wicket before the latter fell to debutant Challuru Prathyusha for a well made 58.
Du Preez after scoring 57 was dismissed by Rajeshwari Gayakwad. Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk shared an unbeaten 58 run stand for the sixth wicket as South Africa Women chased down the target with 10 balls to spare.
Rajeshwari Gayakwad was the pick of the bowlers for India Women with figures of 3/13.
Anneke Bosch was declared the Man of the Match.