India secured a narrow 15-run win over South Africa with standout performances from Sneh Rana, who took her maiden five-wicket haul, and Pratika, who scored a crucial fifty. Their efforts led India to victory in a thrilling contest.
India Wins by 15 Runs Against South Africa in Thrilling Tri-Series Match
India secured a thrilling 15-run victory over South Africa in the Women’s Tri-series, thanks to excellent performances from Sneh Rana and Pratika Rawal. Sneh took a five-wicket haul, while Pratika played a vital role with a composed 78 runs to help India set a challenging total. This win was India’s second consecutive victory in the tournament. (More Sports News)
India Sets a Competitive Total:
India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and decided to bat first. Pratika Rawal played a fantastic knock, scoring 78 runs off 91 balls. She made sure India posted a competitive total of 276 for 6 in their 50 overs. Pratika was well-supported by Smriti Mandhana, who scored 36 runs in an opening partnership of 83 runs in 18.3 overs.
After Mandhana’s dismissal, Harleen Deol added 29 runs, contributing to a solid second-wicket partnership of 68 runs with Pratika. Pratika brought up her fifth ODI fifty, showing maturity and patience in her innings. Unfortunately, she was dismissed for 78, just short of a second century.
Even though Pratika’s wicket fell, India’s middle order stood strong. Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 41 runs, while Jemimah Rodrigues also scored 41 runs. Richa Ghosh chipped in with a valuable 24 runs, helping India reach a total of 276 runs.
South Africa’s Chase:
Chasing a target of 277 runs, South Africa got off to a strong start. Tazmin Brits was in exceptional form, scoring a gritty 108 runs off 105 balls. She and Laura Wolvaardt formed a strong opening partnership of 140 runs, making it seem like South Africa might win the game. But just when things seemed to be going their way, bowlers, especially the spinners, made a comeback
Spinners Turn the Game Around:
spinners played a crucial role in breaking South Africa’s momentum. Deepti Sharma removed Wolvaardt for 36 runs, trapping her leg-before. Following this, Sneh Rana took a key wicket by dismissing Lara Goodall for just 9 runs. Sneh’s brilliance continued as she removed Chloe Tyron and Annerie Dercksen.
At this point, South Africa’s chase started to falter. Brits was forced to retire hurt due to cramps, leaving South Africa with two new batters at the crease. Arundhati Reddy stepped up, dismissing Karabo Meso in her first over, while Shree Charani got rid of Sune Luus, leaving South Africa struggling to chase the target.
Sneh’s Memorable Five-Wicket Haul:
As the required run rate soared to over nine runs per over, South Africa’s hopes were dashed. Sneh Rana returned in the 48th over, taking the final wickets, including Nadine de Klerk and a returning Tazmin Brits, to complete her maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs. Sneh finished with impressive bowling figures of 5/43, helping India bowl out South Africa for 261 runs in 49.2 overs.
Conclusion:
India’s strong all-round performance helped them register a 15-run victory over South Africa. Pratika Rawal’s composed fifty and Sneh Rana’s brilliant bowling were the standout performances of the match. Despite a valiant effort from Tazmin Brits, who scored a century, South Africa couldn’t reach the target, and India secured their second straight win in the Women’s Tri-series.
India will be looking to continue this momentum as they move forward in the tournament.
