India Women's T20I team has begun their South Africa Women's T20I Tri-Series campaign with a 27-run victory over South Africa Women, thanks to a superb all-round performance from Deepti Sharma and a debut knock of 41 not out from Amanjot Kaur.
After winning the toss and electing to field first, South Africa Women's bowlers made early inroads into the Indian batting lineup, leaving India at 69/5 in the 12th over. However, Sharma and Kaur came together for a quick-fire partnership of 76 runs for the sixth wicket, helping India post a competitive total of 147/6 in their 20 overs. Sharma contributed 33 off 23 balls, with one four and one six, while Kaur hit seven fours in her 41 not out. Opener Yastika Bhatia also scored 35 off 34 deliveries.
During South Africa's reply, Sharma shone once again as she claimed three wickets for 30 runs, reducing South Africa to 64/5 in the 12th over. Despite a recovery, South Africa could only manage 120/9 in 20 overs, losing the match by 27 runs. Devika Vaidya claimed 2-19 off three overs, and Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Sneh Rana, and Radha Yadav each took one wicket.
The Indian spinners used the dry, slow surface to their advantage to stifle South Africa's innings. Skipper Sune Luus top scored for South Africa with a 30-ball 29.
The absence of Harmanpreet Kaur, who was unwell and forced to sit out, and key players Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh, who are currently part of the U19 Women's T20 World Cup, was felt by the Indian team. However, Sharma and Kaur stepped up to rescue the team and secure the victory.
Brief scores
India Women 147/6 in 20 overs (Yastika Bhatia 35, Deepti Sharma 33, Amanjot Kaur 41 not out; Nonkululeko Mlaba 2-15) beat South Africa Woman 120/9 in 20 overs (Sune Luus 29; Deepti Sharma 3-30, Devika Vaidya 2-19) by 27 runs.