Chennai: Driven by a stellar performance from Pooja Vastrakar, India secured a resounding 10-wicket victory over South Africa in the third and final women’s T20 match at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday,.
Vastrakar, who was named both player of the match and player of the series, delivered an exceptional bowling display, taking 4 wickets for just 13 runs, guiding India to their biggest T20I win against South Africa.
This victory showcased a day where everything clicked for the Indian team, from winning the toss to decimating the South African batting lineup and then acing the chase without any hiccups. The series ended in a 1-1 draw, with South Africa winning the first T20 and the second match being abandoned due to rain.
Batting first, South Africa struggled against the relentless Indian bowling attack and were bowled out for a paltry 84 runs in 17.1 overs.
The Indian bowlers put on a clinical performance, ensuring that the South African batters never found their rhythm.
Vastrakar’s figures of 4/13 from 3.1 overs were the highlight, demonstrating exceptional control and precision. Radha Yadav chipped in with 3 crucial wickets, further stifling the South African batting order.
India’s opening pair, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, made light work of the modest target, reaching 88 without loss in just 10.5 overs. Mandhana was the standout performer, smashing an unbeaten 54 off 40 balls, including 8 fours and 2 sixes, at a strike rate of 135.00. Verma provided solid support, scoring 27 not out off 25 balls with 3 fours, maintaining a strike rate of 108.00.
The partnership between Mandhana and Shafali was unbreakable, showcasing perfect coordination and aggressive batting. Mandhana’s six off Nadine de Klerk to backward square leg highlighted her commanding presence on the field, while Shafali’s powerful boundaries kept the momentum firmly with India.
The South African bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batters, with Nadine de Klerk’s 1.5 overs going for 22 runs and Nonkululeko Mlaba’s 2 overs costing 20 runs.
Earlier in the match, things went poorly for South Africa. After two excellent batting performances in the last two games, they were terribly disappointed with their performance. Despite starting off well in the first two overs, the remainder of their innings was a struggle.
India bowled with great discipline and earned their wickets by putting the opposition under constant pressure. Anything that South Africa hit in the air was swiftly pouched, contributing to a flawless fielding performance from India.
India’s dominance was evident as they outplayed South Africa in all departments, ensuring a comprehensive and memorable win. This victory is a testament to the strength and depth of the Indian women’s cricket team as they continue to build on their impressive form in the T20 format.
India’s comprehensive win displayed their cricketing prowess and highlighted the team’s synergy and skill. As they continue their journey in the T20 format, such victories will undoubtedly boost their confidence and reputation on the international stage.
