SA-W vs IND-W

South Africa were sensational. Riding on performance from their skipper, that will be talked about for a long time to come by those who watched it live, they seal the series with two matches to spare. India have plenty to ponder. The batting did better today, but their bowling was on the receiving end of a thumping. They dropped plenty of catches too, which of course did not help.

51 days left for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. 2 matches to go in the series. Will the visitors be able to bounce back and find some answers? Join us for the 4th T20I on Saturday, April 25. For now, this is Darpan and Pradeep saying goodbye! See you soon!

Laura Wolvaardt is the Player of the Match! Here's what she has to say: "(On her approach during the chase) Chasing 190, we knew we needed a strong start, so the intent was clear from the outset. I focused on playing to my strengths, maximizing the powerplay, and once we got ahead of the rate, it was about maintaining that momentum and trying to finish the game as early as possible.(On reading the pitch and powerplay strategy) I realized quite early that it was a very good batting surface—the ball was coming onto the bat nicely. Getting around 70 in the powerplay was crucial in a chase like this, as it puts you ahead of the rate and allows you to control the game from there.(On her partnership and communication in the middle) We kept things calm and simple out there. Even after a strong powerplay, the message was to keep going, knowing we had plenty of firepower in the dugout. That freedom allowed us to play our shots, and it worked well for us today.(On the team’s current form and performance) The team is in a really good space right now. We’re improving with each game, and even the players who came in today contributed well. The bowling unit has also been performing consistently, which is a big positive.(On the series win and looking ahead) Winning three in a row and sealing the series feels great. It doesn’t happen often, so we’re really proud of the group. With the World Cup in mind, there might be a few changes in the remaining games, but the focus remains on continuing this momentum and improving further."

Harmanpreet Kaur [India Women captain]: "(On improved batting performance) Yes, the batting was much better. The total we put up was competitive, but credit goes to South Africa—they batted exceptionally well and never really allowed us a way back, even when a few chances came our way.(On where the game slipped away) We were aiming for early wickets in the powerplay to build pressure, but those first six overs went for too many runs. As a bowling unit, that’s something we need to address. While batting was an issue earlier, this time it was the bowling that let us down. There are plenty of lessons to take, and we’ll look to improve in the coming games.(On her personal performance) It’s always satisfying to contribute with the bat when the team needs it. Personally, I’m pleased with how I played and would like to carry that form forward, though it’s disappointing it didn’t result in a win.(On the next game) We need to stay committed to our plans and focus on what the team requires. Hopefully, we’ll come back with better execution and improved strategies in the next match."

9:23 PM local time, 12:53 AM IST: South Africa Women have thumped the visitors by 9 wickets with 27 balls to spare. They take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series.

Laura Wolvaardt 115 (53) | Nonkululeko Mlaba 2/31 (4)
Harmanpreet Kaur 66 (38) | Shreyanka Patil 1/31 (3)

They say, "when the going gets tough, the tough get going." After a sparkling half-century from Harmanpreet Kaur, a pugnacious knock from Shafali Verma and an effervescent cameo from Richa Ghosh, India had notched up 192/4 — their highest total against South Africa in WT20Is. The hosts had never successfully chased anything over 185 in the format. But then, the captain stood up and here we are — they have won with four and a half overs to spare.

India could have scored 30-40 more. The kind of mood Laura Wolvaardt was in, the hosts would have still got there. She came into this game on the back of two match-winning fifties. Of course, she was confident. But what she unleashed was something sensational. Intent? Crystal clear. Shot-making? Audacious but skilful. Ball-striking? As crisp as it can get. Gap-finding? Top notch. Wolvaardt did not just bat, she put on a show to treat all cricket lovers. The Wanders was not full by any means, yet you heard a sonic explosion when Luus hit the winning runs, such was the impact of that opening stand.

Of course, we have to talk of Sune Luus, for she played the perfect sidekick in that partnership. She was happy to ride pillion, give her captain the strike and enjoy the show. Later, she pressed her foot on the gas too and finished with a strike rate of 150+.

Despite a good show with the bat, India have plenty to ponder upon. Shafali Verma looked scratchy against the short ball, even though she fought it out and scored a half-century. Then, there was the perennial problem of dropping catches. India spilled 4 straight-forward chances and paid hefty price for it. Their decision to hold back the spinners will come under scrutiny too. But in all fairness, they were up against a high quality batting effort from the home team. 

16.3 Deepti Sharma to Sune Luus, SIX! GAME, SET AND MATCH! South Africa annihilate the chase, brush aside 193 with ease, and seal the series in emphatic fashion! Length delivery on the middle and leg, Luus uses her feet and powered it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum to seal the deal.

Finally, India hold on to a catch. And it is a player who is not in the XI who does. Laura Wolvaardt gets a standing ovation from the crowd as she makes her way off the field. 

15.2 Shreyanka Patil to Laura Wolvaardt, OUT! MILES UP IN THE AIR AND ANUSHKA HOLDS ON TO IT! End of one of the greatest T20 knocks ever, Wolvaardt walks off for a standing ovation, what a player and what a breathtaking knock that was! Length delivery on the stumps, Wolvaardt top edged the sweep to deep mid-wicket. Anushka settles under it and clings on.

15.1 Shreyanka Patil to Laura Wolvaardt, FOUR! Laura Wolvaardt has been unstoppable tonight, simply unstoppable. Shimmies down the wicket, smacked it straight back over the bowler's head.