Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian Women fell short in a thrilling first T20I against South Africa on Friday, July 5, losing by a narrow margin of 12 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Batting first, South Africa capitalized on brilliant knocks by Tazmin Brits (81 runs) and Marizanne Kapp (57 runs) to post a daunting total of 189 runs. The Indian bowlers fought back valiantly, but couldn't quite restrict the Proteas. Despite a valiant effort from Jemimah Rodrigues, who scored a lightning 30-ball 53, India could only manage 177 runs, handing South Africa a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
This loss marked India's first setback in the ongoing series against South Africa. After dominating the ODI series with a clean sweep (3-0) and securing a convincing victory in the one-off Test, India were surprised by a strong South African batting performance featuring a standout knock from Tazmin Brits (81 runs). Despite stellar efforts from captain Harmanpreet Kaur (35 off 29), Smriti Mandhana (46 off 30), and Jemimah Rodrigues, India fell short of the 190-run target. The Women in Blue were unable to overcome South Africa's imposing total.
Tazmin Brits roaring knock help SA post big total
Earlier, South Africa got off to a strong start in the first T20I against India, posting a competitive total of 189 for 4 on Friday. Openers Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt provided a solid foundation, putting together a 50-run partnership in the first 43 balls. Brits, the more aggressive of the two, smashed a brilliant 81 runs off just 56 balls, including 10 fours and 3 sixes. This innings marked South Africa's highest T20I total against India.
Wolvaardt, who was dropped by Shreyanka Patil on 24, contributed 33 runs before being dismissed by Radha Yadav in the eighth over. India had a couple of other missed opportunities, with Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh dropping Kapp and Brits respectively. Richa even injured herself attempting the Brits catch and had to be replaced by Uma Chetry.
Despite the early hiccups, the lack of bounce on the pitch allowed Marizanne Kapp (57 off 33 balls) and Brits to capitalize with efficient sweep shots. Both batters reached their half-centuries by the 16th over before Radha Yadav broke the crucial 96-run partnership between them. South Africa continued scoring at a brisk pace with Chloe Tryon joining the fray. Tryon and Kapp put on a quick 38-run partnership before Tryon fell to Pooja Vastrakar in the final over. Brits, the anchor of the innings, also departed on the last ball, leaving South Africa with a strong total of 189 for 4. Pooja Vastrakar and Radha Yadav were the pick of the Indian bowlers, each taking two wickets. Vastrakar was also economical with her bowling. While India had their fielding lapses, they will need to tighten up their bowling in the next match to chase down this imposing target.
Jemimah's fighting knock in vain
India started their chase aggressively with Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana putting on a quickfire 56 runs in just over 5 overs. However, the innings took a turn for the worse with Shafali's dismissal for 18. Dayalan Hemalatha, coming in at number 3, couldn't maintain the momentum set by Mandhana, scoring only 14 runs off 17 balls. The fall of Smriti Mandhana in the 10th over was a crucial blow for India. The opener, who looked well set with a score of 46 off 30 balls, was dismissed by Chloe Tyron. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur also struggled for timing, managing just 35 runs off 29 balls.
Despite a valiant effort from Jemimah Rodrigues, who smashed an unbeaten 53 off 30 balls with 7 boundaries and a six, India fell short of the target. The team's chase ultimately faltered due to the loss of early wickets and an inability to build partnerships.
Harmanpreet's India will look to force decider when they next face South African women in the second T20I on July 7.
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