South Africa ended a dominant women’s T20I series by beating India by 23 runs thanks to skipper Laura Woolward’s brilliant unbeaten 92. Chasing a modest 156, India faced another toss and managed to score 132 for eight to hand the hosts a 4-1 series win.Woolwart proved to be the difference maker once again, leading the innings to a composed but authoritative score off 56 balls with 11 fours and two sixes. Having already registered two fifties and a century in the series, he underlined his consistency with yet another match-winning effort. His late flourish – hitting two sixes off the last two balls – took South Africa past the 150 mark after a slow spell in the middle overs.As it happened: India vs South Africa, 5th T20IIndia’s batting woes continue.In reply, India’s chase never really gained momentum. Early shocks saw them slump to 21 for two, with Shafali Verma and Jemima Rodriguez falling cheaply. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur scored 22 off 28 balls, while Deepti Sharma also failed to make an impact.It was left to India’s Phulmali to provide some resistance with a 30-ball 40, including four fours and two sixes. However, lack of partnership and sluggish middle overs proved costly. With 79 needed off the last seven overs, the equation was always in the balance, and India’s hopes ended with Phulmali’s dismissal in the 16th over.Disciplined bowling sealed the dealThe South African bowlers complemented their captain’s efforts with discipline. Nonkoluliko Malaba was particularly impressive, returning figures of 2 for 15, including a maiden, and accounting for Herman Preet. Nadine de Klerk also picked up two crucial wickets as India’s batting line-up weakened under pressure.Earlier, India’s bowlers managed to pull things back through Sri Charani (2/22), Deepti (2/37) and Renuka Singh (2/21), who stopped South Africa briefly after a strong start. But Wolvaardt’s coordination and finishing touch ensured the hosts posted a competitive total.The defeat serves as a timely reality check for India ahead of the T20 World Cup, with constant XI changes and changes continuing to plague their campaign.
