The second T20I between India and South Africa at the MAC Stadium was washed out by rain on Sunday, leaving the series tied at 1-1. The downpour, which persisted throughout the match, disappointed the 13,000 spectators who had gathered to witness the clash.
The abandonment sets up a decisive third and final match on Tuesday, with India needing a win to claim the series. The Proteas, meanwhile, will be looking to end their tour on a high, especially considering it is their final international stint before the T20 World Cup.
India made significant changes to their playing XI in the second match, giving the bench players an opportunity to gain experience and potentially sending a message to the regular players to improve their performance. However, despite the changes, India’s bowling lineup, generally regarded as the stronger side, struggled to contain the South African batting order.
The Proteas, despite showing early nerves, managed to find their rhythm, capitalizing on the Indian bowling’s inconsistencies. Experienced all-rounders like Sajeevan Sajana and Shreyanka Patil didn’t get to bat as the match was abandoned before the chase could begin. This also meant the Proteas didn’t have to worry about bringing in Marizanne Kapp, who hasn’t bowled in an international fixture since April this year.
Tazmin Brits, finding confidence after a shaky first game, and Laura Wolvaardt’s fluent PowerPlay performance provided the Proteas with a much-needed boost. However, their bowling continues to be a concern. With Kapp sitting out, the pressure falls on Ayabonga Khaka. Masabata Klaas also missed both T20Is, forcing Annerie Dercksen to step up. Sune Luus, who missed the second game as a precautionary measure, could return for the final match.
Scattered thunderstorms are expected around match time on Tuesday, making for a tense and unpredictable encounter. Both teams will be hoping for some solid game time as the women’s international calendar heats up in the lead-up to the World Cup in October.
Here are the squads for both teams:
India:
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Uma Chetry (wk), Richa Ghosh (wk), Dayalan Hemalatha, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Amanjot Kaur, Shreyanka Patil, Sajeevan Sajana, Deepti Sharma, Asha Sobhana, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Shabnam Shakil, Pooja Vastrakar, and Radha Yadav.
South Africa:
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Tazmin Brits, Mieke de Ridder (wk), Sinalo Jafta (wk), Anneke Bosch, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, and Tumi Sekhukhune.The match begins at 7pm.
