India Women vs South Africa Women, 3rd T20I, Surat: Preview, predictions, likely XIs

India Women had won the first T20I against South Africa Women by 11 runs, a margin that could have been more but for some excellent batting by Mignon du Preez in the end. This, after the Indian spinners – Poonam Yadav, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, and Harmanpreet Kaur – dominated proceedings in the middle overs on a slow, low pitch.

The second match was then washed away. The teams will now meet for third T20I of the 5-match series, all of which will be played at Surat.

While their spinners were outstanding, the Indian batters – including Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues – struggled to time the ball. Kaur muscled her way (both her sixes came off full-tosses) to help India reach 130/8, an innings that was even more crucial given the middle-order’s inability to accelerate in the death overs.

South Africa missed three of their stars, in Dane van Niekerk, Chloe Tryon, and Marizanne Kapp. Their bowlers were on target, especially the supremely experienced Shabnim Ismail, but they simply did not have the firepower to contain India.

With the exception of du Preez and, to some extent Lizelle Lee, their batters, too, faced problems on a pitch tailored to suit the Indian spinners. India will take field as favourites unless the tourists improve drastically.

Head to head

India Women hold a 5-1 lead. South Africa’s only win came at home in 2017-18, but even there India had won the series 3-1.

Key players

Shafali Verma (India Women): A lot has been said about Varma, who, at a mere 15, has already been touted as a future star. She fell for a duck on debut, but it had more to do with a spectacular catch. All eyes will be on her.

Sune Luus (South Africa Women): Luus gave away 14 in her only over in the first T20I and got for a golden duck. However, given the champion all-rounder she is, the South African captain is likely to rise to the challenge this time.

Likely XIs

India Women: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Deepti Sharma, Veda Krishnamurthy, Pooja Vastrakar, Radha Yadav, Taniya Bhatia (wk), Shikha Pandey, Poonam Yadav.

South Africa Women: Lizelle Lee (wk), Tazmin Brits, Laura Wolvaardt, Nadine de Klerk, Mignon du Preez, Sune Luus (c), Nondumiso Shangase, Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nonkululeko Mlaba.

Prediction

India Women to take an unassailable 2-0 lead.