Ho jaega: Suryakumar Yadav draws parallels with men’s World T20 win to inspire women in India
Suryakumar Yadav inspired the Indian women’s team by recalling India’s journey in the Men’s Under-20 World Cup. Harmanpreet Kaur had a tough outing in her 200th T20I on Sunday South Africa inflicted a six-wicket defeat on India at Old Trafford in Manchester. After a strong start against Pakistan and the Netherlands, India suffered their first loss of the tournament against the Proteas.
Interestingly, earlier this year, India men’s team also lost to South Africa by 76 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad before setting out to lift the title. Suryakumar Yadav played a key role in India becoming the first team to successfully defend the Men’s T20 World Cup title. He later reflected on that campaign and said the women’s team could also follow a similar path to success.
“Kuch mahine hi purani baat hai. T20 World Cup mi SA se harne ke baad kya hota hai the whole world knows. Hang in there don’t be afraid. Ho jaega. Jai hind. (It’s only been a few months. Everyone knows what happened after losing to South Africa in the T20 World Cup. Hang in there, be fearless. It will happen. Surymar Hind Instagram),” wrote Surymar Hind on Instagram. Courtesy: Suryakumar Yadav Instagram
HOW INDIA FIGHTED AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA
India had their moments against the Proteas but failed to capitalize on key phases of the innings. The Women in Blue got off to a solid start, scoring 59 runs in the power play despite losing Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma early.
However, the momentum slipped in the middle overs as India struggled to rotate the strike and find boundaries, eventually ending up at 158 for seven. South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail were the standout bowlers, taking two wickets each.
But the pursuit was defined by Kapp’s brilliance. She played a sensational knock of an unbeaten 81 off 45 balls, hitting over 180 and holding the innings together with exceptional composure under pressure.
Her innings included seven fours and four sixes and made India pay for a some crucial catches from Radha Yadav. Kapp also anchored a crucial 97-run partnership with Tazmin Brits after South Africa were reduced to 25 for two in the powerplay.
South Africa, fueled by Kappa’s counter-attack, chased down the target with five balls to spare and finished at 161 for four in 19.1 overs. The result exposed India’s inability to close out the phases of control despite a competitive total on the board.
India will now look to bounce back against Bangladesh on June 25 before a crucial clash against six-time champions Australia at Lord’s on June 28, which could prove crucial in their bid for a semi-final spot.
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
22 Jun 2026 20:41 IST