Indian women’s started the five matches T20I series by beating South African women played at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom just finished a few moments ago. Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and elected to field. All the South African batters contributed and with a quick-fire 32 off 7 balls helped hosts to post 164 for 4. Chasing 165, Mithali Raj, Smriti Mandhana, debutant Rodriques and Veda Krishnamurthy chased down the target with ease.
Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and elected to field. L Lee and captain Dan Van Niekerk began off to a solid start adding 26 for the first wicket. At the end of first six overs, South Africa 37 for 1. After the power play overs, Luus and Dan Van Niekerk added 36 runs for the second wicket. The Indian spinners made the batting look very tough for hosts. Also, du Preez also contributed 31 runs. In the final over, Tyron smashed 22 runs off the final over to help South African women post 164 for 4 in 20 overs.
Chasing 165, Smriti Mandhana and ODI team captain Mithali Raj started off to flying start putting on 47 runs for the first wicket in 4.4 overs. At the end of six overs, Indian women posted 66 runs for the loss of Mandhana and T20I captain Harmanpreet Kaur in quick succession. The debutant Rodriques showed her class by smashing 37 off 27 balls.
Both Rodriques and Mithali Raj added 69 runs for the third wicket. Mithali Raj completed her fifty off 47 balls and remained not out. Veda Krishnamurthy blazed away and scored 37 off 22 balls. Indian women reached the target in 18.5 overs. Only two South African bowlers picked wickets
Indian women 168 for 3 in 18.5 overs ( Mithali Raj 54*, Rodriques 37, Veda Krishnamurthy 37*, Daniels 1/16) beat
South African women 164 for 4 in 20 overs ( Dan Van Niekerk 38, Tyron 32*, AA Patil 2/23) by 7 wickets.
Indian women take a 1-0 lead in the series. The second T20I would be played on 16th February at Buffalo Park, East London.
