India Women booked their place in the Tri-Nation Series final with a spirited 23-run win over South Africa Women in Colombo today. Batting first at the R. Premadasa Stadium, India piled on a formidable 337 for 8 in 50 overs, riding on a fluent 123 by Jemimah Rodrigues and a solid 93 from Deepti Sharma. Despite early setbacks, Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur laid the foundation before the middle order accelerated. India racked up 100 runs in the final 10 overs, leaving the South African bowlers searching for answers despite using eight different options.
In response, South Africa mounted a strong chase. Though they lost wickets regularly, a fiery 72-run sixth wicket stand between Annerie Dercksen and stand-in captain Chloe Tryon brought them back into the contest. Tryon then partnered with Nadine de Klerk for a late 51-run blitz, but India held their nerve as the Proteas fell short at 314 for 7. Amanjot Kaur took three wickets while Deepti Sharma scalped two. Jemima Rodrigues was adjudged Player of the Match for her match winning century.
With this victory, India get back to winning ways after their last-over defeat to Sri Lanka and secure a place in Sunday’s final. South Africa, winless in the series, bow out despite flashes of brilliance. India will now look to carry their momentum into the title clash against hosts Sri Lanka on Sunday.