After losing the three-match ODI series 2-1 to the Proteas women, India responded by winning the only T20I by 16 runs in Bangalore on Sunday.

Mignon du Preez won the toss and inserted the hosts, as she had done in the final ODI. It didn’t work as well this time around as the Indian captain, Mathali Raj, stroked 40 off 31 balls at the top of the order.

Smriti Mandhana came in at the fall of the first wicket and carried on her skipper’s good work. She finished with a well compiled 42-ball 52 and guided the hosts to an above par 146-5 in their 20 overs.

Sunette Loubser carried her ODI form into the shortest format, claiming 2-29 in four overs. Her accurate off-spinners were difficult to get away from and she provided the biggest wicket-taking threat.

In reply, Dane van Niekerk scored 46 off 47 balls at the top of the order. She had set her stall out to be there at the death, but acceleration was needed from the other end as the required run rate started to get out of control. Marizanne Kapp provided the impetus with an inventive 33 off just 16 deliveries.

Kapp’s departure signaled the end of the charge, though, as nobody below No 5 managed to reach double figures. The innings eventually petered out to 130-9 at the end of the 20 overs to hand India a convincing victory.

The defeat concluded the tour, which saw South Africa lose the only Test and the only T20I. They did, however, win the three-match ODI series sandwiched between the two and will return home a much better side for the experience of playing in Indian conditions.

Report compiled by Gareth Stevens.

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