India Women vs South Africa Women, 4th T20I, Surat: Preview, predictions, likely XIs

The first T20I between India Women and South Africa Women, one where the hosts won by 11 runs, had laid the foundation for a keen, intense 5-match series. Unfortunately, both the second and third T20Is were abandoned, much to the disappointment of the Surat crowd that turned out in encouragingly large numbers.

The first T20I was decided by the Indian spin quartet of Poonam Yadav, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, and Harmanpreet Kaur on a slow, low pitch. Barring a dazzling fifty from Mignon du Preez, there was little resistance from the touring batters – a side weakened by the absence of Dane van Niekerk, Chloe Tryon, and Marizanne Kapp.

To be fair, however, the Indian batters fared little better. Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues, sublime timers of the ball otherwise, failed to get the ball going against the wily Shabnim Ismail.

However, India did emerge as the superior side, and unless something drastic happens, they should clinch the series in the fourth T20I – provided play gets underway, of course.

Head to head

India Women have won 5 matches to South Africa Women’s 1. The latter’s only win had came at home in 2017-18 – in a series India had won 3-1.

Key players

Shafali Verma (India Women): Even at 15, the supremely gifted Varma has caused quite a stir, earning accolades from the who’s who of the sport. She fell for a duck to a spectacular catch on debut, and will try to make amends.

Sune Luus (South Africa Women): Luus had a disappointing outing in the first T20I (14 in her only over, a golden duck). However, the South African captain, a wonderful all-rounder, is certain to rise to the challenge of helping level the series.

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 win the match and the series.