India clinched a dominant 10-wicket victory over the Proteas Women in the final T20 International (T20I) at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, thereby levelling the three-match series at 1-1.
South Africa, after losing the toss and being asked to bat first, struggled right from the outset. They were reduced to 39/2 in the powerplay, with Laura Wolvaardt (9) and Marizanne Kapp (10) departing early.
Despite Tazmin Brits' resistance with 20 runs and contributions from Anneke Bosch (17), the Indian bowlers led by Pooja Vastrakar (4/13) and Radha Yadav (3/6) kept picking up wickets at regular intervals.
South Africa eventually collapsed to 84 all out in 17.1 overs, with Vastrakar and Radha Yadav's bowling brilliance decimating the Proteas' batting lineup.
Pooja Vastrakar starred with career-best figures of 4/13, well-supported by Radha Yadav's 3/6. Arundhati Reddy (1/14) and Deepti Sharma (1/21) also chipped in with crucial wickets, ensuring a comprehensive bowling effort from India.
India's openers, Smriti Mandhana (54* off 40 balls) and Shafali Verma (27*), took charge of the chase right from the start. They achieved the target of 85 runs in just 10.5 overs without losing any wickets.
Mandhana's unbeaten half-century and Verma's brisk innings ensured India's victory with utmost ease, sealing the match and the series draw.
Pooja Vastrakar was named the Player of the Match for her exceptional bowling performance, while also clinching the Player of the Series award for her overall contribution throughout the T20I series.
Tazmin Brits of South Africa, with 153 runs at an average of 51 in the series, was noteworthy for her consistent batting performances despite the team's final match defeat.
India's resounding win in the final T20I showcased their dominance with both bat and ball, concluding the series on a high note despite the earlier setbacks.