In Women’s Cricket, South Africa defeated India by 6 wickets in the 1st T20 International in Durban last night. Chasing a target of 158 runs, hosts South Africa achieved the target in 19.1 overs, driven by Laura Wolvaardt’s 51, while Annerie Dercksen played an unbeaten knock of 44 and took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Earlier, hosts South Africa won the toss and opted to field. 

Batting first, India made 157 for 7 in the stipulated 20 overs. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s unbeaten 47 was the top scorer for the visitors. For hosts, Ayabonga Khaka scalped three wickets, Tumi Sekhukhune took two wickets, and Nonkululeko Mlaba claimed a wicket. Ayabonga Khaka was declared Player of the Match. 

The next match of the series will be played at the same venue on Sunday, while the third and fourth fixtures will take place in Johannesburg on the 22nd and 25th of this month. The final match on the 27th of April is scheduled at Willowmoore Park in Benoni. The series comes at a time when the Women’s T20 World Cup is less than two months away. Both India and South Africa will use this series as preparation for the global tournament, scheduled to take place in June.