Laura Wolvaardt played a captain's knock to guide South Africa to a 23-run victory over India in the fifth and final T20I at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday. With this win, the hosts sealed the five-match series 4-1.
Match Summary
South Africa, after being put in to bat first, managed to post a competitive total of 144 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Wolvaardt was the standout performer, scoring a well-compiled 60 off 47 balls, which included seven boundaries. She received valuable support from Nadine de Klerk, who contributed 28 off 26 balls, and Sune Luus, who chipped in with 16 off 14 deliveries.
For India, Pooja Vastrakar was the most successful bowler, claiming three wickets for 25 runs in her four overs. Shafali Verma also picked up two wickets, while Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav took one each.
India's Chase
In reply, India got off to a promising start with openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma adding 47 runs for the first wicket. However, the innings lost momentum after Mandhana's dismissal for 31 off 28 balls. Shafali played a quickfire 40 off 29 balls, but the middle order failed to capitalize.
Deepti Sharma remained unbeaten on 24 off 24 balls, but the required run rate kept climbing. India ultimately finished at 121 for 5 in 20 overs, falling short by 23 runs.
Bowling Performance
South Africa's bowlers were disciplined, with Ayabonga Khaka being the pick of the lot, taking two wickets for 24 runs. Nonkululeko Mlaba also bowled economically, conceding just 17 runs in her four overs while picking up a wicket.
Series Outcome
The victory gave South Africa a comprehensive 4-1 series win, bouncing back strongly after losing the first T20I. Wolvaardt was adjudged Player of the Match for her match-winning knock.
