India was defeated by South Africa by 6 wickets in the Women’s T20 World Cup. Marizanne Cap’s inning of 81* runs and 4 big mistakes of India became the reason for the defeat.
New Delhi: The Indian team had to face defeat at the hands of South Africa in the Women’s T20 World Cup. Team India, full of confidence after defeating Pakistan and Netherlands, was defeated by South Africa by 6 wickets. Batting first, India scored 158 runs losing 7 wickets thanks to the innings of Shefali Verma (31) and Deepti Sharma (29). In reply, the South African team achieved the target with 6 wickets remaining. Marizanne Cap’s brilliant innings of 81 runs played a big role in South Africa’s victory. Apart from him, Laura Wolvaert also made an important contribution of 20 runs. Despite this defeat, India remains second in Group A with two wins. Australia is in first place.
4 big reasons behind India’s 6 wicket defeat
1. Marizanne Cap’s match-winning innings
When South Africa were under pressure at 25/2, veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp turned the match around with an unbeaten 81. He made a 97-run partnership with Tazmin Brittas and did not give the Indian bowlers a chance to make a comeback.
2. India’s middle order faltered
India started well, but the wickets of Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia and Jemimah Rodrigues kept falling at regular intervals. At one time the team seemed to be moving towards a score of 170+, but could only reach 158/7 in 20 overs.
3. Not being able to take wickets after 25/2
Sri Charani had put South Africa in trouble by taking the first two wickets, but after that the Indian bowlers failed to break the partnership of Caps and Brits. This partnership became the turning point of the match.
4. Expensive bowling in death overs
After the 14th over, South Africa scored runs rapidly. Big runs came in the 15th and 16th overs, due to which the match went out of India’s grip. Indian bowlers could not create pressure in the last five overs.
Major highlights of the match
India: 158/7
South Africa: Target achieved, win by 6 wickets
Turning point: 97-run partnership between Caps and Brits
Player of the Match: Marizanne Kapp (81* runs)
Overall, India had started well in the match, but the failure of the middle order, not being able to score big enough and the ineffectiveness of the bowlers in front of Cap’s brilliant innings were the biggest reasons for the defeat.