The Momentum Proteas have given both their 50-over World Cup and T20 World Cup aspirations a giant double boost, after winning back-to-back series in both limited overs formats over India in Lucknow.
In the absence of regular leadership, the team found young players willing to step up and be counted.
The batting unit found new stars and big name bowlers delivered magic results to ensure that the coaching unit had much to smile about even though the final match of the tour went India’s way as they won the third T20i by nine wickets.
In fact, it was the tour was so successful that South Africa only lost two out of six matches – one in each series – to ensure they dominated India in their own conditions.
On Tuesday, having already sewn up a historic first-ever T20 series victory over the hosts when they took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match sequence on Sunday, the final match was a mere formality.
But the home team did manage to restore some pride by taking the scoreline to 2-1 thanks to their big win, which was built around some outstanding bowling by Rajeshwari Gayakwad and a dashing half century by teenage star Shafali Verma.
After winning the toss and bowling, the Indians restricted South Africa to just 112 for seven.
Spinner Gayakwad claimed figures of three for nine in her four overs, including one maiden.
The tourists lost wickets regularly right the way through, with their main contributions coming via the bats of captain Suné Luus (28) and Lara Goodall (25*)
India’s openers Verma and captain Smriti Mandhana then put on 96 inside nine overs – the former the only batter to be dismissed for 60 off 30 balls (7 fours, 5 sixes).
The latter finished unbeaten on 48 and together with Harleen Deol (4*) sealed a consolation win for India.
Apart from victory in the T20 series, Hilton Moreeng’s charges also claimed a dominant 4-1 triumph in the five-match ODI series.
Full Tour Schedule:
7 March – 1st ODI – South Africa win by 8 wickets
9 March – 2nd ODI – India win by 9 wickets
12 March – 3rd ODI – South Africa win by 6 runs (DLS)
14 March – 4th ODI – South Africa won by 7 wickets
17 March – 5th ODI – South African won by 5 wickets
20 March – 1st T20I – South Africa win by 8 wickets
21 March – 2nd T20I – South Africa win by 6 wickets
23 March – 3rd T20I – India win by 9 wickets
The Momentum Proteas Squad:
Suné Luus
Ayabonga Khaka
Shabnim Ismail
Laura Wolvaardt
Trisha Chetty
Sinalo Jafta
Tasmin Britz
Marizanne Kapp
Nondumiso Shangase
Lizelle Lee
Anneke Bosch
Faye Tunnicliffe
Nonkululeko Mlaba
Mignon du Preez
Nadine de Klerk
Lara Goodall
Tumi Sekhukhune
Support Staff:
Hilton Moreeng (Head Coach)
Dillon du Preez (Assistant Coach)
Sedibu Mohlaba (Team Manager)
Tshegofatso Gaetsewe (Team Doctor)
Abram Ramoadi (Performance Analyst)
Molebatsi Theletsane (Physiotherapist)
Zane Webster (Strength and Conditioning)
Koketso Gaofetoge (Media Manager)
Photo Caption: T20I series champions South Africa smile after the final tour fixture in Lucknow on Tuesday, after India won the final encounter by 9 wickets. Photo: Cricket South Africa
With editing by gsport
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