India batting during the 5th T20I against South Africa. (Image credit: BCCI Women) South Africa completed a dominant women’s T20I series with a convincing 23-run victory over India, riding on a stunning unbeaten 92 from captain Laura Wolvaardt. Chasing a modest 156, India suffered another batting collapse to finish on 132 for eight, giving the hosts a 4-1 series triumph.Wolvaardt again proved to be the difference maker as he carried his bat through the innings with a composed but authoritative knock off of 56 balls, laced with 11 fours and two sixes. Having already registered two fifties and one century in the series, she underlined her consistency with yet another match-winning effort. Her late success – smashing two sixes off the last two balls – lifted South Africa past the 150 mark after slowing down in the middle overs.How did it happen: India vs. South Africa, 5th T20I
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Vijay Dahiya on Virat Kohli’s mindset and why experience still matters.India’s batting woes continueIn response, the Indian chase never gained any real momentum. Early failures saw them slump to 21 for two, with Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues falling cheaply. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur struggled to pick up the pace and managed 22 off 28 balls while Deepti Sharma also failed to hit.It was left to Bharti Fulmalim to provide some resistance with a spirited 40 off 30 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. However, the lack of partnerships and sluggish medium-sized businesses proved costly. With 79 needed off the last seven overs, the equation was always going to be steep and Fulmali’s dismissal in the 16th over effectively ended India’s hopes.Disciplined bowling seals the dealSouth Africa’s bowlers complemented their captain’s effort with a disciplined performance. Nonkululeko Mlaba was particularly impressive, returning figures of 2 for 15, including a maiden, and accounting for Harmanpreet. Nadine de Klerk also took two crucial wickets as the Indian batting line-up faltered under pressure.Earlier, Indian bowlers managed to pull things back through Shree Charani (2/22), Deepti (2/37) and Renuka Singh (2/21) which stopped South Africa short after a strong start. But Wolvaardt’s composure and finishing touch ensured the hosts posted a competitive total.The defeat serves as a timely reality check for India ahead of the T20 World Cup, with inconsistency and frequent XI changes continuing to haunt their campaign.
