South Africa, led by skipper Laura Wolvaardt’s impressive century, secured a remarkable nine-wicket victory over India in the third women’s T20I at The Wanderers Stadium. With this win, the hosts now hold an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. India, opting to bat first, posted a challenging total of 192/4, their best performance in the series so far.
The opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma set a strong foundation with a quick 63-run stand in the initial eight overs. Despite Mandhana’s fluent 37, her dismissal and quick wickets by Nonkululeko Mlaba briefly slowed India’s momentum. Shafali continued aggressively, scoring a well-compiled half-century off 39 balls.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Shafali built a crucial partnership, steering India towards a big total. Shafali’s 64 off 46 balls and Harmanpreet’s commanding 66 off 38 deliveries, along with a late flourish from Richa Ghosh, propelled India past the 190-run mark. South Africa’s Mlaba stood out with figures of 2/31, while the rest of the bowlers struggled on a good batting track.
South Africa’s response was dominant as Wolvaardt and Luus started aggressively, reaching 72 without loss in the powerplay. Wolvaardt, benefiting from two dropped catches, played a stellar innings, scoring a remarkable 115 off just 53 balls. Luus supported with a composed 57 off 40 deliveries, guiding South Africa to a historic chase.
Despite Wolvaardt’s dismissal in the 16th over, South Africa comfortably chased down the target in 16.3 overs, finishing at 193/1. This victory marked South Africa’s highest successful chase in women’s T20Is and secured a significant lead in the series with two matches remaining.
