In the opener of the three-match women Twenty20 internationals series between India and South Africa, the dot hosts won by 12 runs on Friday at Potchefstroom with Harmanpreet Kaur as skipper, blaming missed catches and lack of intent during middle overs for the defeat.
Batting first, South Africa reached their highest ever total in T20Is against India scoring 189 for 4. Tazmin Brits top-scored with a career-best 81.
India achieved 177-4 from their allotted twenty overs.
The missed chances in the field gave South Africa an average score to defend.
Skipper Laura Wolvaardt scored 33 while Marizanne Kapp was let off in the 10th over and went on to make a half-century (57). Harmanpreet Kaur also noted how much these mistakes affected them.
“We didn’t play well overall and dropped too many catches which cost us around extra runs,” said Harmanpreet at the post-match presentation ceremony.
“While batting, we played too many dot in middle overs. They bowled well, didn’t give us easy.”
“We thought that we have started well so we should keep going but couldn’t because of dot balls. Bowling wise how they are playing we need to be aware about it and set fields and bowl accordingly,” she added
South Africa had already lost three ODIs by a margin of zero-three before being beaten by ten wickets in a one-off Test prior to this outing thereby marking their maiden victory of multi-format series.
“It feels good after tough three weeks. It’s nice standing here after a win,” said captain Wolvaardt
“Started fight from the Test; shows that hard work pays off. Cricket is a funny game; I really love our intent today. Looked positive with bat; had wickets in hand” she added.
India must win Sunday’s second T20I to stay alive in the series.
The final match of the T20I is next Tuesday.
