The Proteas Women secured back-to-back victories against India in the second T20I of the five-match series at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on Sunday afternoon, with a batting onslaught from openers Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus laying the platform for a comfortable eight-wicket win in the 18th over.
Earlier, spinner Chloe Tryon and seamer Nonkululeko Sekhukune claimed three wickets apiece as India collapsed from 78/2 to 147 all out after being asked to bat first.
Wolvaardt and Luus ensured the hosts capitalised on that momentum, taking control from the outset with a dominant powerplay to lead the charge towards an eight wicket victory. Their opening stand yielded 66 runs, featuring nine boundaries and a six from Luus, as they equalled South Africa’s highest powerplay score in T20 Internationals.
Wolvaardt accelerated with intent, striking a six and a four in quick succession off the spin of Sree Charani to race into the 40s. By the halfway mark, South Africa were cruising at 92/0 and firmly in command.
Luus, after a cautious start, grew in confidence and matched her skipper shot for shot. The contrast with India’s innings was stark – the visitors had unraveled at the same stage, losing momentum after reaching 78/2.
There was no such stumble from the Proteas. Wolvaardt brought up back-to-back half-centuries with a crisp cover drive as the hosts passed 100 in the 11th over. However, she fell soon after for 54 off 37 balls, caught on the boundary.
Luus followed suit with a well-compiled 57 off 46 deliveries, but her dismissal did little to shift the balance.
Tazmin Brits and Annerie Dercksen calmly guided South Africa home, sealing the win with two overs to spare and giving the Proteas a 2-0 lead in the series.
SCAOREBOARD
India 147 all out
S Verma 57 (38), A Sharma 28 (31); C Tryon 3/22, Mlaba 17/1 Sehukune 3/31
South Africa 148/2
L Wolvaardt 54 (37), S Luus 57; S Patil 2/35
SA won the match by eight wickets
