That result followed Friday’s solid six-wicket win at Kingsmead as well, giving the hosts the perfect platform as they look to build momentum and stamp their authority on the series.

India were sent in to bat and posted 147 all out in their 20 overs. Shafali Verma provided the spark at the top with a lively 57 off 38 balls, peppered with seven fours and two sixes, while Anushka Sharma with 28 off 31 was the only other batter to offer meaningful resistance against a disciplined South African attack.

Shafali Verma scored 57 off 38 balls for India. Photo: Cricinfo

The standout performer with the ball was Proteas all-rounder Chloe Tryon, who delivered a match-defining spell of 3/22 in her four overs. She was well supported by seamer Tumi Sekhukhune, who claimed 3/31 to keep the visitors in check.

In reply, South Africa’s chase was built on a dominant opening stand between skipper Laura Wolvaardt and Suné Luus. The pair added 106 for the first wicket inside 12 overs, laying a rock-solid foundation.

Wolvaardt led from the front with a fluent 54 off 34 deliveries, with seven fours and a six, before being caught in the deep by Arundhati Reddy off Shreyanka Patil. Luus soon followed after a composed 57 off 46 balls, caught by Kranti Gaud, with the score on 124/2.

From there, the Proteas kept their composure. Tazmin Brits with 20* off 17 and Annerie Dercksen with 12* off 7 steered the side home with 17 balls to spare, underlining South Africa’s control of the contest.

Speaking after the match, Luus emphasised the team’s commitment to positive, fearless cricket and putting the Indian bowling attack under pressure.

“We always want to go out and play with intent, whether we’re chasing 90, 140, or even 200,” said Luus.

“The power play is a key phase where you take on the bowlers and try to maximise scoring, and that’s what Laura and I look to do.

Laura Wolvaardt scored her 15th half-century in T20 International cricket. Photo: CSA

“Even after the power play, when the field spreads, we don’t lose that intent – it’s simply part of how we want to play our cricket.”

She also credited the bowlers for making a big step up in the past two matches, especially after they didn’t fire on all cylinders during the recent tour of New Zealand.

“Our bowlers have been phenomenal over the last two games,” said Luus.

“They’ve kept things simple and stuck to their strengths, especially against a batting line-up capable of scoring 180-plus regularly.”

Suné Luus scored her second half-century against India. Photo: CSA

“We’ve used the slower balls and conditions really well, and backed it up with solid batting. We didn’t try anything out of the ordinary – just good cricket shots – and chased the target down nicely. The bowlers deserve a lot of credit for keeping the Indian batters quiet.”

The series now moves to Johannesburg, with the third T20 International set for Wednesday at Wanderers. The first ball is scheduled to be bowled at 18:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg