2nd WT20I: Wolvaardt, Luus power South Africa to 8-wicket win over India; seal 2-0 series lead

Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus produced commanding half-centuries as South Africa Women defeated India by eight wickets in the 2nd T20I at Kingsmead on Sunday, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

India, after getting off to a strong position at 99/3, completely collapsed in the final overs and were bowled out for 147 in 20 overs. Shafali Verma was the standout performer for India, scoring a fluent 57 off 38 balls in her milestone 100th T20I appearance, striking seven fours and two sixes.

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However, she received little support from the middle order as India lost their last seven wickets for just 33 runs. Chloe Tryon and Tumi Sekhukhune led South Africa’s bowling attack brilliantly, picking up three wickets each and using slower deliveries and disciplined lengths to dismantle the Indian batting lineup.

Chasing a modest target of 148, South Africa’s openers made the contest one-sided from the outset. Wolvaardt (54 off 34) and Luus (57 off 46) stitched together a dominant 106-run opening partnership, taking control during the powerplay and putting the Indian bowlers under immediate pressure. Their ability to find gaps and rotate strike ensured the required rate never became an issue.

Even after both openers were dismissed, Tazmin Brits and Annerie Dercksen remained composed to guide South Africa home with 17 balls to spare.

India’s fielding lapses and lack of penetration with the ball added to their struggles, as they failed to break partnerships or build sustained pressure.

The win highlighted South Africa’s growing consistency in the series, while India were left to reflect on another batting collapse after a promising start.

Playing XIs

India: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Arundhati Reddy, Anushka Sharma, Shreyanka Patil, Deepti Sharma, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud

South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Sune Luus, Tazmin Brits, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Ayabonga Khaka, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nonkululeko Mlaba