South Africa Women pulled off a stunning chase of 193, reaching the target with plenty of time to spare in just 16.3 overs and sealing a 9-wicket win over India in the third T20I in Johannesburg. The result gave the Proteas a series advantage with two matches remaining, and it also underlined how dominant their batting was throughout the run chase. Their successful pursuit was the highest achieved by South Africa Women in the format, and it stands as the third-biggest successful total in women’s T20Is overall.
The chase was effectively shaped by captain Laura Wolvaardt, who delivered a superb captain’s knock of 115 off only 53 balls—her highest score in T20I cricket. Wolvaardt was let off by Smriti Mandhana after being dropped on 31 in the fourth over, and the South African skipper made India pay immediately. Her innings featured 14 fours and five sixes, and she raced to a strike rate of 216.98, turning the pursuit into a statement from the outset.
South Africa’s progress never truly wavered, with Wolvaardt forging a massive 183-run partnership with Sune Luus for the opening wicket. Luus stayed unbeaten on 64 off 42 deliveries, providing the perfect support as the Indian bowlers struggled to generate breakthroughs or slow down the scoring rate. India also had to contend with a steady flow of extras, conceding 12 in total, which only added to South Africa’s comfort as the chase moved quickly into the later overs.
While South Africa looked in complete control, Shreyanka Patil did manage the only wicket of the innings, dismissing Wolvaardt in the 16th over. Even that moment didn’t disturb the momentum, and the Proteas finished on 193/1, completing a thoroughly dominant performance at The Wanderers.
India’s response had started with renewed intent, as their top order offered a far better showing than in the early part of the series. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Shafali Verma played key roles, driving India to 192/4 in the third Women’s T20I, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to stop South Africa’s chase.
Shafali continued her strong form by posting a second consecutive fifty, giving India a fearless platform at the top. Harmanpreet then anchored the innings with her first half-century of the series, following modest returns in the opening two matches—both of which India lost, leaving them trailing 0-2. Harmanpreet’s contribution came as India looked for control in the middle overs, combining steadier batting with timely acceleration.
Harmanpreet’s 66 came off just 38 balls and was laced with seven fours and three sixes. That blend of power and smart batting tempo allowed India to build momentum throughout the innings, setting up a target that was always going to test the chasing side—yet South Africa’s finish ensured the effort fell short.
