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India Women win 5th T20I, take series 3-1 against South Africa

Mithali Raj was named the Player of the Match as well as the Player of the Series.

Mithali Raj was named Player of the Match © Getty Images
Mithali Raj was named Player of the Match © Getty Images

Despite South Africa‘s top order collapsing early, Marizanne Kapp’s innings kept alive the hopes of the hosts. But Jemimah Rodrigues’ catch proved the cliche ‘catches win matches’ right and handed India a 54-run victory in the fifth T20I, helping them win consecutive series. Earlier, India had put up a total of 166 with the loss of 4 wickets for the hosts to chase, with major contributions coming from Mithali Raj and Jemimah. Rumeli Dhar led the bowling attack to bundle their opponents for 112, and India registered victory with 12 balls to spare.

Winning the toss, Dane van Niekerk put the visitors to bat. After a decent opening stand, which actually put India in command was the 98-run partnership between Mithali and Jemimah. Though Mithali (62) completed her half-century, Jemimah fell short of 6 runs. Later, Harmanpreet Kaur’s 17-ball 21 was a good boost for India as they put up a defendable target.

Chasing the target, South Africa top-order departed without any significant contribution. Rumeli proved to be lethal. She bagged two wickets, of Dane and Lizelle Lee while Shikha Pandey at the other end got rid of Sune Luus, reducing the team to 22 for 3 at the end of six overs.

Chloe Tryon and later Marizanne Kapp tried their best to pull off a win but their efforts fell short to skillful bowling and fielding from India. Rajeshwari Gayakwad stopped a dangerous looking Chloe while Jemimah took a brilliant running catch at midwicket off Rumeli’s delivery to send back Marizanne. Rajeshwari cleared off the tail quickly after Marizanne’s wicket to end the innings and get India to victory. Rajeshwari, Shikhar and Rumeli finished with 3 wickets each. Mithali Raj was named the Player of the Match as well as the Player of the Series.

India had also won the ODI series 2-1 before this.

Brief scores:

India Women 166 for 4 (Mithali Raj 62, Jemimah Rodrigues 44, Harmanpreet Kaur 27; Marizanne Kapp 1 for 22, Shabnim Ismail 1 for 35) won against South Africa Women 112 (Chloe Tryon 25, Marizanne Kapp 27; Shikha Pandey 3 for 16, Rumeli Dhar 3 for 26, Rajeshwari Gayakwad 3 for 26) by 54 runs.

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