India secured a resounding victory in the final T20I against South Africa, leveling the three-match series at 1-1. The hosts delivered a dominant performance, bowling out South Africa for a meager 84 runs, setting the stage for an easy chase. The Chepauk Stadium, filled with a boisterous crowd, provided a challenging atmosphere for the South African batters.
India’s bowling attack displayed remarkable discipline, with Arundhati Reddy and Pooja Vastrakar leading the charge. Reddy, having conceded 37 runs in the previous game, returned with a disciplined performance, conceding just two runs in her first over. Vastrakar, known for her tight lines and wobble seam, picked up the crucial wicket of Marizanne Kapp. Radha Yadav’s economical over in the seventh further unsettled the South African batting order. The pressure mounted on the Proteas, with Deepti Sharma dismissing Tazmin Brits with a brilliant catch by Harmanpreet Kaur. Anneke Bosch and Chloe Tryon succumbed to pressure, succumbing to Pooja’s bowling.
The South African innings reached its nadir as Nadine de Klerk was bowled by Vastrakar, leaving them reeling at 61/5. The remaining batters failed to offer much resistance, as the last five wickets fell for a mere 23 runs. The anaemic target meant South Africa had to resort to bowling Kapp, who conceded just three runs in her two overs. India’s chase was a mere formality, with Smriti Mandhana leading the way with a 24th T20I half-century.
With the crowd chanting for a six, Mandhana responded with a powerful shot over deep midwicket, sealing a comfortable 10-wicket victory for India. This win not only leveled the series but also showcased India’s dominance on the field.
