Cricket
Sharma leads India victory at the Bullring─── MORGAN PIEK 08:31 Sun, 26 Apr 2026
India finally got off the mark in the five-match T20 International series against the Proteas Women, clinching a hard-fought 14-run victory at the Wanderers on Saturday night.
The win was built around a superb all-round effort from Deepti Sharma, who played a decisive role with both bat and ball to turn the contest in India’s favour.
After being sent in to bat – for the fourth consecutive match in the series – India produced a competitive 185/5 in their 20 overs. Jemimah Rodrigues led the charge with a fluent 43 off 29 deliveries, striking four boundaries and two sixes to anchor the innings.
Sharma then added valuable runs at the back end, finishing unbeaten on 36, while Richa Ghosh provided the late fireworks with an aggressive 34* off just 18 balls to push the visitors to a challenging total.
For South Africa, rising all-rounder Kayla Reyneke stood out with an economical 2/10 in her two overs, while Eliz-Mari Marx chipped in with 2/28.
In reply, the Proteas showed early intent with the bat. Suné Luus led the charge with a brisk 40 off 23 balls, supported by Tazmin Brits, who contributed 30 off 23.
Jemimah Rodrigues. Photo: Cricinfo
However, just as the hosts looked well on track, Sharma produced a game-changing spell. She removed Luus to spark a collapse, and her relentless accuracy and control saw her slice through the middle order to finish with a five-wicket haul.
South Africa’s innings lost momentum under that pressure, eventually closing on 171/9, falling just short after a promising start.
Sharma finished with magnificent figures on 5/19 in her four overs.
Deepti Sharma. Photo: Cricinfo
Reflecting on her performance, Sharma credited her mindset and the support of her teammates:
“I’m very pleased, especially in crunch situations. I always back myself to come back strong.
“All credit to my teammates for believing in me. Whether the ball is wet or dry, it’s about sticking to your line and length and trusting your process.”
Richa Ghosh. Photo: Cricinfo
“Richa batted really well – we just told ourselves we needed to finish strong and make the last five overs count.”
The two teams will now head to Willowmoore Park for the fifth and final T20I on Monday, where South Africa will be looking to restore some pride and end the series on a high.
