Laura Wolvaardt and Ayabonga Khaka delivered standout performances as the Proteas Women secured a convincing six-wicket victory over India in the opening T20 International at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead in Durban on Friday.
Khaka earned Player of the Match honours after an excellent spell of 3/16, while Tumi Sekhukhune supported well with 2/27 to help restrict India to 157/7. In response, Wolvaardt led from the front with a composed 51 off 39 balls, striking eight boundaries. She was well backed by Annerie Dercksen, who finished unbeaten on 44 from 34 deliveries, as South Africa chased down the target with five balls remaining to take a 1–0 lead in the series.
After winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, South Africa faced an aggressive start from India’s openers Shafali Verma (34) and Smriti Mandhana (13). The pair added 46 runs before Sekhukhune and Khaka struck in quick succession to remove both batters, leaving India on 48/2 at the end of the powerplay.
India rebuilt through a solid 71-run partnership between Jemimah Rodrigues (36) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who remained unbeaten on 47. Their stand pushed India to 119/2 by the 15th over before Sekhukhune broke the momentum by dismissing Rodrigues.
Khaka then continued her strong performance by removing Richa Ghosh (5), reducing India to 124/4. The Proteas bowlers kept the pressure on in the closing overs, with Khaka claiming her third wicket and Nonkululeko Mlaba also getting into the wickets. A sharp run-out by Annerie Dercksen and Sinalo Jafta helped South Africa close strongly, conceding just 33 runs while taking four wickets in the final five overs to limit India to 157/7.
In reply, South Africa began positively through Suné Luus (13) and Wolvaardt before Shreyanka Patil struck early to remove Luus in the second over.
The Proteas quickly regained control thanks to a 48-run partnership between Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits (10), taking the score to 63/1 before Brits was dismissed by Shree Charani.
With Wolvaardt settled at the crease, South Africa stayed firmly in control. She shared an important half-century partnership with Dercksen to guide the team past the 100-run mark.
India attempted to fight back late in the innings, claiming the wickets of Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch (8) in consecutive overs to leave South Africa on 129/4. However, Dercksen and Chloé Tryon (18*) remained calm under pressure and guided the Proteas to victory, with Tryon sealing the win in style by hitting a six off the first ball of the final over.
The second T20 International will take place on Sunday, 19 April at 14:00 at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead in Durban.
Fixtures – Proteas Women vs India T20I Series:
2nd T20I – Sunday, 19 April at 14:00
South Africa vs India – Hollywoodbets Kingsmead, Durban
3rd T20I – Wednesday, 22 April at 18:00
South Africa vs India – DP World Wanderers, Johannesburg
4th T20I – Saturday, 25 April at 18:00
South Africa vs India – DP World Wanderers, Johannesburg
5th T20I – Monday, 27 April at 14:00
South Africa vs India – Willowmoore Park, Benoni