Sharma returned outstanding figures of 5-19 as the Proteas were restricted to 171-9 in reply to India’s 185-5. Key contributions from Jemimah Rodrigues (43) and Sharma (36*) had earlier laid the foundation for the visitors.
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South Africa won the toss and elected to field, and struck early when Eliz-Mari Marx (2-28) had Shafali Verma (9) caught in the deep. Tumi Sekhukhune then removed Anushka Sharma (27) late in the powerplay to leave India on 47-2 after six overs.
India recovered through a 55-run stand between Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur (22), taking the score to 102-2 in the 11th over.
Kayla Reyneke (2-10) broke the partnership by dismissing Rodrigues, while Marx added a second wicket by trapping Bharti Fulmali (2) lbw. Reyneke then removed Kaur to leave India at 122-5 after 14 overs.
Sharma and Richa Ghosh (34*) combined for an unbeaten 65-run partnership to lift India to a competitive total.
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In reply, the Proteas made a brisk start through Laura Wolvaardt (18) and Suné Luus (40), reaching 32-0 inside three overs before Kranti Gaud (1-33) struck.
Luus and Tazmin Brits (30) added 44 for the second wicket, but Sharma’s intervention in the ninth over triggered a collapse.
Shree Charani, Kashvee Gautam and Verma provided valuable support as India claimed regular wickets to seal the win, despite late resistance from Marx (21*).
The fifth and final T20I will be played on Monday at Willowmoore Park in Benoni.
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
