The scenic Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Durban played host to a masterclass in clinical T20 cricket on Sunday, as South Africa Women came back again in style against India Women. Following a dominating start to the series, the Proteas showcased why they are a formidable force on home soil, dismantling the Indian lineup and chasing down a target with surgical precision. The 2nd T20I was characterized by a disciplined South African bowling effort and a batting exhibition that left the Indian bowlers searching for answers.
Chloe Tryon and South Africa’s attacking bowling line up folds India for a modest total
India’s innings was a tale of a blistering start that ultimately fizzled out under relentless pressure. Shafali Verma looked in sublime touch, racing to a half-century in just 29 balls. Her 57 off 38 deliveries (7 fours, 2 sixes) provided the visitors with a platform that suggested a total north of 170 was on the cards. However, the introduction of Chloe Tryon shifted the momentum irrevocably.
Tryon, who finished with match-winning figures of 3/22 in her four overs, stifled the Indian middle order. She accounted for the dangerous Smriti Mandhana (12) early on and followed it up by removing Jemimah Rodrigues and the set Anushka Sharma (28). India’s aggressive approach backfired as they lost wickets at regular intervals. From a comfortable 99/2, the innings crumbled to 147 all out in exactly 20 overs.
The Proteas’ fielding and death bowling were equally sharp. Tumi Sekhukhune polished off the tail with 3/31, while Nonkululeko Mlaba kept things tight with an economy of just 4.25. A series of three run-outs, including the crucial wicket of captain Harmanpreet Kaur (12), further hampered India’s ability to finish strongly, leaving them with a total that was well below par on a batting-friendly Durban surface.
Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus steer South Africa to a big win in the 2nd Women’s T20I
If the first half of the match belonged to the bowlers, the second half was a showcase of pure batting elegance. South Africa’s chase was never in doubt as captain Laura Wolvaardt and the experienced Sune Luus put on a clinic. The pair shared a massive 106-run opening stand that effectively broke the spirit of the Indian bowling attack.
Wolvaardt was the aggressor early on, striking 54 off 34 balls at a strike rate of 158.82. Her innings was decorated with 7 fours and a towering six, ensuring the Proteas exploited the Powerplay to its full potential (66/0 after 6 overs). Not to be outdone, Luus played a steady and calculated knock, bringing up her own half-century (57 off 46 balls) to ensure no late-inning hiccups occurred.
Despite Shreyanka Patil managing to pick up two consolation wickets, the result remained a formality. Tazmin Brits (20) and Annerie Dercksen (12) guided the hosts home with ease. South Africa reached 148/2 in just 17.1 overs, securing an 8-wicket victory with 17 balls to spare. This dominant performance not only solidified their lead in the series but also handed Tryon a well-deserved Player of the Match trophy for her foundational work with the ball.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
