In a high-stakes encounter at the iconic Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, the Indian Women’s team finally found their rhythm to clinch a 14-run victory against South Africa Women on April 25, 2026. Heading into the 4th T20I, the ‘Women in Blue’ were desperate to turn the tide of the series. Under the clear skies of Gauteng, it was the clinical all-round prowess of Deepti Sharma that proved to be the difference-maker, breathing life back into the Indian camp and securing their first win of the tour.
India Women set a challenging target for South Africa
After being put in to bat, the Indian top order displayed intent from the opening delivery. While the explosive Shafali Verma fell early for 9, Anushka Sharma (27 off 18) and the reliable Jemimah Rodrigues steadied the ship. Rodrigues played a quintessential anchor-turned-aggressor role, striking 43 off 29 balls with three boundaries and two sixes. Her partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur (22) ensured India maintained a healthy run rate, crossing the 100-run mark in just the 11th over.
However, the real impetus came during the death overs. When India looked slightly wobbling at 120/5, Deepti and Richa Ghosh combined for a blistering unbeaten 65-run stand for the sixth wicket. Ghosh was particularly destructive, smashing 34 off just 18 balls at a strike rate of 188.88. Deepti provided the perfect support with a composed 36* off 26 balls. Together, they propelled India to a formidable total of 185/5 in their 20 overs. Despite Eliz-Mari Marx’s efforts (2/28), the South African bowlers struggled to contain the late-inning onslaught, leaving the hosts with a steep chase of 9.3 runs per over.
Deepti Sharma bags a five-wicket haul to seal India’s first win of the series
South Africa’s response started with characteristic aggression. Captain Laura Wolvaardt (18) and Sune Luus took the attack to the Indian pacers, racing to 59 runs within the Powerplay. Luus looked dangerous, scoring 40 off 24 balls, while Tazmin Brits contributed a steady 30. However, the introduction of spin completely shifted the momentum.
Deepti produced a masterclass in T20 finger-spinning. She first broke the back of the chase by dismissing the set Sune Luus and then systematically dismantled the middle and lower order. Her ability to vary pace and length on the Johannesburg surface left the Proteas batters searching for answers. Deepti finished with incredible figures of 5/19 in her 4 overs, maintaining an economy of just 4.75, a staggering feat in a high-scoring game.
Despite a late cameo from Marx (21*), South Africa’s chase faltered as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Kranti Gaud and Shree Charani provided crucial breakthroughs at the top, but it was Deepti’s five-wicket haul that ensured South Africa ended at 171/9. With this 14-run win, India not only opened their account in the series but also showcased their ability to defend totals under pressure. For her match-winning contribution of 36 runs and 5 wickets, Deepti was the undisputed Player of the Match.
Take a bow, Deepti Sharma 🫡
Her brilliant 5⃣/19 guides #TeamIndia to a 1⃣4⃣-run victory in Johannesburg 👏🙌
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/92BPfF0bsf#SAvIND | @Deepti_Sharma06 pic.twitter.com/JO9hZA9abR
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) April 25, 2026
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
