Deepti Sharma’s outstanding all-around effort helped India defeat South Africa by 14 runs in the fourth Twenty20 International in Johannesburg. Even though India had already lost the series 3-1, this victory gave them a much-needed boost before the championship game.
India scored a solid 185/5 in 20 overs while batting first. After early wickets, Jemimah Rodrigues stabilized the innings with a vital performance of 43 runs off 29 balls. Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain, added 22 runs as well.
But Deepti and Richa Ghosh’s potent, undefeated partnership was the high point of the innings. Richa added a quick 34* off just 18 deliveries, while Deepti hit 36* off 26 balls. India was able to attain a competitive total because to their 65-run partnership in the last overs.
In response, Sune Luus scored 40 runs and formed early partnerships as South Africa got off to a steady start. But Deepti and the other of India’s bowlers changed the course of the match. Deepti dismantled the South African batting order at pivotal times with an incredible performance that saw him take five wickets for just 19 runs.
After collapsing in the middle of the innings, South Africa labored and fell from a strong position to 135/6. Tazmin Brits’ 30-run contribution and the bottom order’s late attempts were insufficient to pursue the aim. In the end, the squad completed their 20 overs at 171/9.
With extra wickets from players like Kranti Gaud and others, India’s bowling assault kept steady pressure. India’s victory was largely due to Deepti’s outstanding all-around performance, which signaled a powerful comeback.
