Dropped too many catches: Harmanpreet Kaur after the loss in Chennai

South Africa Women registered their first win on their 2024 tour of India, beating the hosts by 12 runs in the first WT20I in Chennai. India played like a shadow of themselves given how they dominated the three ODIs (won 3-0) and the one-off Test that they won by 10 wickets. 

India’s sloppy fielding allowed South Africa to post an above-par total of 189/4 at the back Tazmin Brits’ career best score of 81. India dropped three catches, giving a lifeline each to Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp and Brits. The three batters scored 171 runs between them. 

The Protea bowlers then kept the visitors’ noses ahead. Smriti Mandhana got India’s chase off to a good start with 46 off 30 balls. However, a middle-phase stutter (slipping from 56/0 to 87/3) derailed India’s chase. Despite a 90-run stand between Jemimah Rodrigues (53 not out from 30) and Harmanpreet Kaur (35 from 29), India fell short of the finish line. 

“Definitely, we didn't play good cricket overall,” said Harmanpreet reflecting on the loss. 

“Dropped too many chances in the field, played too many dot balls in the middle overs. They bowled well. But the way we started we just needed to keep going. But with the dot balls, we weren't able to make it,” she assessed. 

Wolvaardt was a relieved captain after securing a win on this tour. “Much nicer standing here now. In the Test match, we started to show that fight,” she said. 

“Not too upset batting first in the end. It was tough to defend but the bowlers did well to stretch it out. Cricket is a funny game but I really liked the intent we came out with today. Was a really exciting game,” she added. 

Tazmin Brits was adjudged the Player of the Match for her knock of 81 from 56 balls. The right-handed batter had a slow start, scoring only 21 off her first 24 deliveries. She later upped the ante to end up with a strike rate of 144.6. 

“Might have made the runs but I wasn't happy with myself. I struggled early on. Felt like I was letting the team down with the batters to come in. Our team is capable of many things. Happy to get a win under the belt,” Brits said at the post-match presentation. 

The remaining two fixtures will be played in Chennai on July 7 and July 9 respectively. 

If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out — big time. Play Fantasy on Cricket.com NOW! Download the App here.