In a gripping encounter at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium, India Women edged past South Africa by 15 runs in the second match of the Women’s ODI Tri-Series. After posting 276/6, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side survived a Tazmin Brits masterclass, with Sneh Rana’s five-wicket haul dismantling South Africa’s chase at 261/10.
India’s batting prowess powers them to a formidable total
Opting to bat first, India’s top order delivered a composed performance. Pratika Rawal anchored the innings with a fluent 78 off 91 balls, combining with Smriti Mandhana (36 off 54) for an 83-run opening stand. Harleen Deol (29) and Jemimah Rodrigues (41 off 32) accelerated the middle overs, while Harmanpreet’s unbeaten 41 and Richa Ghosh’s 14-ball 24 propelled India to 276/6. Nonkululeko Mlaba (2/55) and Annerie Dercksen (1/40) struggled with consistency, conceding 13 wides collectively as India capitalized in the death overs.
Tazmin Brits’ heroics clashes with Sneh Rana’s ruthless response
South Africa’s chase began explosively, with Brits (109 off 107) and Laura Wolvaardt (43 off 75) forging a 140-run opening partnership. Brits retired hurt at 170/2 after reaching her century, laced with 13 fours and three sixes, but her absence triggered a collapse. Rana (5/43) became India’s tormentor-in-chief, dismissing Lara Goodall (9), Chloe Tryon (18), Annerie Dercksen (30), and Nadine de Klerk (0) in quick succession. Despite Brits’ brief return, run-outs of Masabata Klaas and Mlaba sealed South Africa’s fate at 261, as Rana’s precision and Deepti Sharma’s frugal spell (1/40) choked the middle order.
The match swung on Rana’s ability to exploit Colombo’s slowing pitch, her variations outfoxing batters during critical phases. While Brits’ valiant effort kept South Africa alive, India’s disciplined bowling unit showcased their depth, ensuring a hard-fought victory to maintain their unbeaten run in the series.
Also READ: Fans go gaga over Tasmin Brits’ magnificent ODI century during IND vs SA in Women’s ODI tri-series
A thrilling game comes to an end 👏#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/0YZF1eT4Jm
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) April 29, 2025
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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