India’s left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad on Tuesday (March 23) strangulated the South African batswomen with a miserly spell wherein she captured three wickets for solely 9 runs in 4 overs to arrange a giant, consolation nine-wicket win within the third and last T20 International right here on Tuesday.
After the Rajeshwari present, openers Shafali Verma (60, 30 balls, 7x4s, 5x6s) and captain Smriti Mandhana 48 not out (28 balls, 9x4s) guided India to victory with 9 overs to spare on the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium right here.
The 17-year-old, who regained the primary spot within the ICC T20I batswomen rankings on Tuesday, was named participant of the collection after knocks of 23, 47 and 60.
“I always practise (power-hitting) and work hard on my batting. Ever since I started holding a bat, I have loved to play attackingly. That’s how it works for me,” the big-hitting Shafali stated after the match.
Asked about regaining the primary spot within the ICC T20I rankings, she merely stated, “I just try to do well and win matches for my team.”
South Africa, nevertheless, received the three-match collection 2-1. After Smriti received the toss and selected to bowl, she opened the bowling with pacer Arundhati Reddy and Rajeshwari. While Arundhati bagged only one wicket, Rajeshwari even bowled a maiden and completed with sensible figures of 4-1-9-3.
India captain Mandhana credited the third match win to staff effort. “It was a good show overall. The bowlers did exceptionally well, and Shafali then just stole the show. This victory belongs to the bowlers,” Mandhana, who carried her bat with an unbeaten 48 off 28 balls, stated.
Asked if toss, which India received on Tuesday, was too essential, she stated, “Definitely not. We had been just about within the sport yesterday (second match) until the very finish.
“Yes, toss is important but can’t use that as an excuse. We lagged behind in the first two games, so I’m proud that we bounced back strong tonight. After losing the series, it needs a lot of motivation to play like we did tonight.”
The prime scorer for South Africa was their captain Sune Luus, who scored 28 off 25 (3x4s). In reply, Shafali and Smriti offered a stable begin by scoring 96 runs for the opening wicket.
After Shafali bought out, Smriti and Harleen Deol (4 not out) noticed India via. Perhaps, the South African women on Tuesday weren’t as motivated as they had been within the first two matches, as that they had already clinched the collection by profitable each video games.
(with company inputs)
