India Women (IND-W) displayed remarkable grit at “The Bullring” to secure a 14-run victory over South Africa Women (SA-W) in the 4th WT20I. After being dominated in the first three fixtures, the visitors produced a clinical all-round performance to keep the series score at 3-1. While South Africa has already secured the trophy, India’s victory on Saturday has successfully avoided a potential 5-0 whitewash and sets up an intriguing series finale in Benoni.
India’s Batting Depth Shines at the Wanderers
Batting first on a high-scoring Johannesburg track, India Women posted a robust 185/5. The innings was built on a foundation of aggressive intent, with the middle order taking full advantage of the flat conditions. Jemimah Rodrigues was back in the runs, while crucial contributions from the middle order ensured India maintained a run rate of over nine per over throughout.
Richa Ghosh provided the late-innings impetus, but it was her work behind the stumps that truly stole the headlines. During the South African chase, Ghosh officially became India’s most successful WT20I wicketkeeper, recording her 69th dismissal to surpass Taniya Bhatia’s previous record of 68. Her sharp glovework was instrumental in halting South Africa’s momentum during the middle overs.
Proteas’ Chase Falters Despite Historic 10th-Wicket Stand
South Africa’s pursuit of 186 never quite found the same rhythm that characterized their record-breaking chase in the 3rd T20I. The Indian bowling attack, led by Deepti Sharma, executed their plans with far more discipline, taking wickets at regular intervals to leave the Proteas reeling. Sharma took her maiden five-for in WT20I’s – an effort that dented the Proteas’ line-up.
Despite the top-order struggles, the match saw a historic moment of resilience from the South African tail. Nonkululeko Mlaba and Eliz-Mari Marx combined for a 20-run partnership, setting a new record for the highest 10th-wicket stand for South Africa Women in WT20Is. They surpassed the previous record of 18 set by Marcia Letsoalo and Sune Luus, providing some late-innings fireworks for the home crowd before the Proteas ultimately finished on 171/9.
Series Outlook: One Final Battle in Benoni
With the series now standing at 3-1, the focus shifts to Willowmoore Park in Benoni for the fifth and final WT20I on Monday, April 27. For the Proteas, it is an opportunity to finish a dominant home summer on a high and lift the trophy with a 4-1 scoreline. For India, the goal is to carry the momentum from the Wanderers into the final game and prove that they have found the tactical blueprint to counter South Africa’s aggressive top order.
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