An outstanding century from Tazmin Brits was not enough in the end as the Proteas Women succumbed to a 15-run defeat in their first match of the One-Day International (ODI) Tri-Series against India in Colombo on Tuesday.
Brits was superb, top-scoring with 109 off 107 balls, including 13 fours and 3 sixes. However, her valiant effort was in vain as South Africa fell short in their chase of India’s formidable 276/6. The Player of the Match, Sneh Rana, starred with the ball for India, claiming a match-winning five for 43. Her spell followed a composed 78 (91 balls, 7 fours, 1 six) by Pratika Rawal with the bat.
India, having won the toss and elected to bat, made a bright start thanks to openers Smriti Mandhana (36) and Rawal, who added 83 for the first wicket. Their partnership was broken when all-rounder Annerie Dercksen (1/40) dismissed Mandhana, caught behind by debutant Karabo Meso.
Undeterred, Rawal reached her fifth ODI fifty, combining with Harleen Deol (29) to take India past 100. Just as their 50-run stand was gaining momentum, left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba (2/55) struck twice in successive overs, bowling both batters to leave India at 154/2 in the 33rd over.
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur then teamed up with Jemimah Rodrigues (41) to rebuild the innings, the pair adding a vital 59-run partnership to carry India beyond 200. Rodrigues’ dismissal at 213/4, courtesy of a fine catch at short fine leg off Masabata Klaas (1/43), opened the door for the dangerous Richa Ghosh.
Ghosh launched a blistering cameo, scoring 24 from just 14 deliveries, adding 34 with Kaur before South Africa hit back. Ayabonga Khaka (1/42) and Nadine de Klerk (1/39) removed Ghosh and Deepti Sharma (9) respectively to stem the flow of runs.
Kaur remained unbeaten on 41 off 48 balls (4 fours) as India closed on a strong 276/6 after their allotted 50 overs.
The Proteas Women began their chase in fine fashion, as Brits played the leading role in a half-century stand for the first wicket alongside captain Laura Wolvaardt (42), taking South Africa to 61/0 at the end of the powerplay. The chase looked well on course until Deepti Sharma (1/40) struck, trapping Wolvaardt LBW to break the 140-run partnership.
Brits carried on confidently with support from Lara Goodall (9) and debutant Meso (7), eventually reaching her third ODI century. However, she was forced to retire hurt with cramps as the Proteas stood at 170/2.
In her absence, all-rounders Suné Luus (28), Chloé Tryon (18) and Annerie Dercksen (30) added valuable contributions to the run chase for South Africa but India’s bowlers tightened the screws.by continuing to pick up wickets at regular intervals.
In addition to dismissing Goodall earlier, Rana added four more scalps, including the returning Brits who came back to bat at nine. Two late run-outs sealed South Africa’s fate, and India emerged victorious by 15 runs with four balls remaining.
The Proteas Women will next face hosts Sri Lanka on Friday, 02 May at 10h00 local time (06h30 SAST) at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.
Proteas Women Squad – ODI Tri-Series
Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Lara Goodall (World Sports Betting Western Province), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), `*Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), *Miané Smit (Knights) and Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)
*Uncapped
Fixtures – ODI Tri-Series
Friday, 02 May @ 06h30 SAST – 3rd ODI: Sri Lanka vs South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)
Sunday, 04 May @ 06h30 SAST – 4th ODI: Sri Lanka vs India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)
Wednesday, 07 May @ 06h30 SAST – 5th ODI: South Africa vs India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)
Friday, 09 May @ 06h30 SAST – 6th ODI: Sri Lanka vs South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)
I’m Sunday, 11 May @ 06h30 SAST – Final: 1st Place vs 2nd Place (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)
