India pulled off a spirited comeback to defeat South Africa by 14 runs in the fourth Women’s T20I in Johannesburg, preventing a series sweep. Deepti Sharma was the defining force, delivering an all-round impact with an unbeaten 36 at the top end of the innings and then taking five wickets to swing the contest back in India’s favour.
How the match unfolded
- India were sent in to bat first and got off to a difficult start, with Shafali Verma departing early, followed soon after by Anushka Sharma.
- At 47/2, the visitors needed steadiness, and Jemimah Rodrigues responded with a calm, well-judged innings of 43.
- Rodrigues then helped build a key stand with India captain Harmanpreet Kaur (22), guiding the team past the 100-run mark.
- Just when India appeared set to push further, wickets fell in quick succession and they slipped to 122/5.
- Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh (34* ) took charge in the closing overs, adding 65 runs for the sixth wicket to lift the innings.
- India finished on a competitive 185/5 in their 20 overs.
- South Africa made a confident start to the chase, with Sune Luus scoring 40 and Tazmin Brits contributing 30 to keep the momentum moving.
- For stretches of the chase, the hosts looked comfortable with the required run rate under control.
- However, Deepti struck at crucial moments, removing key batters and disrupting partnerships to force the pressure back onto South Africa.
- Her bowling spell of 5/19 dramatically altered the game’s direction, helping contain the chase.
- With support from the rest of the bowling unit, South Africa were limited to 171/9.
Even though South Africa still lead the series 3-1, India’s win keeps the contest alive and gives them renewed confidence ahead of the last match.
