South Africa remain in control of the five-match series with a 3–1 lead, despite a narrow defeat to India in the fourth match at the Wanderers Stadium.
India’s win keeps the series alive going into the final game.
For the fourth match in a row, Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and chose to field, a consistent tactical decision showing the team’s preference to chase. The Wanderers pitch again favoured batters, with good bounce and pace allowing for confident shot-making.
India made full use of the conditions, scoring 185/5 in 20 overs, their second strong total in a row. Their innings was built on control in the middle overs and a strong finish at the end.
Jemimah Rodrigues led the scoring with a steady 43 off 29 balls, keeping the innings together. She rotated the strike well and found boundaries when needed.
She was supported by Deepti Sharma, who made 36 off 26 balls, and Richa Ghosh, who added a quick 34 off 18 not out to boost the total late in the innings.
India also made use of South Africa’s fielding mistakes, gaining 12 runs from extras, which proved important in a close game.
South Africa’s bowling had some positives. Eliz-Mari Marx took 2/28 on her return, while Kayla Reyneke impressed with 2/18. However, the bowling unit could not apply enough pressure at key moments.
Chasing 186, South Africa started with intent but were bowled out for 171 in 17.5 overs, losing by 14 runs.
Laura Wolvaardt had a quiet game, scoring 18 off 14 balls. Suné Luus played a positive innings of 40 off 24 balls, while Tazmin Brits added 30 off 23.
After that, the innings lost momentum. South Africa could not build partnerships, and wickets fell regularly as the pressure increased. The final two wickets fell in the 18th over, ending the chase.
India’s bowling made the difference. Deepti Sharma led the attack with an excellent 5/19, using the conditions well as the pitch began to assist spin. She took key wickets and kept South Africa under pressure.
The rest of the bowlers supported well, keeping things tight and taking wickets at important times. India also fielded sharply, backing up their bowling effort.
South Africa will be disappointed with the loss but still lead the series 3–1. India showed improvement and will look to carry that into the final match, while the Proteas aim to finish the series strongly.