In a thrilling T20I match held in Chennai on Friday (July 5), Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp led South Africa to a 12-run win over India. Brits scored a brilliant 81 off 56 balls, while Kapp contributed 57 runs off 33 balls. Their partnership of 96 runs for the second wicket set the stage for South Africa’s impressive total of 189/4 after being put in to bat.
India started strong in their chase, with Smriti Mandhana’s aggressive 46 setting a solid foundation. However, South Africa’s bowlers fought back during the middle overs, restricting India. Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 53 was not enough to steer India to victory as they fell short, scoring 177/4.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur admitted that dropped catches and a lack of runs in the middle overs cost them the game. South Africa capitalized on their opportunities, with Kapp and Brits taking advantage of India’s fielding errors to build a strong partnership.
South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt and Brits got off to a positive start in the powerplay, scoring 44 runs without losing a wicket. Kapp and Brits continued their momentum in the middle overs, adding quick runs to the board. Brits’ explosive batting in the death overs helped South Africa post a challenging total.
Despite Mandhana’s aggressive start for India, quick wickets in the middle overs pulled them back. Rodrigues fought hard with her unbeaten fifty, but South Africa’s disciplined bowling in the death overs secured their first win of the tour.
The match ended with South Africa’s victory, posting 189/4 in 20 overs, with India falling short at 177/4. Brits was the star of the game with her impressive knock of 81, while Kapp’s contribution of 57 guided South Africa to a well-deserved win.