India women vs South Africa women T20 World Cup Warm Up Match 2024 | IND vs SA

India's women's cricket team put up a strong performance with both bat and ball to secure a 28-run victory over South Africa in their ICC Women's T20 World Cup warm-up match at the ICC Academy in Dubai. Despite a stellar bowling effort from Ayabonga Khaka, South Africa fell short in their chase of India's competitive total.

Khaka's Five-Wicket Haul Restricts India

After being put into bat, India faced early challenges as Ayabonga Khaka struck in the very first over to dismiss opener Shafali Verma for a duck. The Indian batting lineup then faced more pressure as Khaka removed the dangerous Harmanpreet Kaur for just 10 runs, leaving India in a precarious position.

Richa Ghosh led the recovery for India, top-scoring with 36 off 25 balls, while Deepti Sharma provided stability in the middle order with an unbeaten 35. Ghosh's quick-fire innings included some aggressive strokes, but Khaka ensured India could not fully capitalize in the death overs, taking three wickets in the final over. Khaka ended with outstanding figures of 5/25, preventing India from crossing the 150-run mark as they finished on 144/7 from their 20 overs.

South Africa's Cautious Chase Falls Short

Chasing 145 for victory, South Africa made a cautious start, with their batters struggling to score freely against the disciplined Indian bowling attack. Laura Wolvaardt provided some stability at the top of the order, scoring 29 runs, but she was dismissed in the 11th over as the required run rate began to climb.

Deepti Sharma played a key role with the ball, conceding just two runs from her two overs, which added to South Africa's scoring woes. Despite some late hope provided by Chloe Tryon, who scored 24, and Annerie Dercksen, who remained unbeaten on 21, South Africa could not keep up with the required rate and ended their innings on 116/6, falling short by 28 runs.

Asha Sobhana also contributed with the ball for India, picking up two wickets for 21 runs, helping to restrict South Africa and ensure India emerged victorious in their warm-up fixture.

Scorecard Summary

India Innings: 144/7 in 20 overs
- Richa Ghosh: 36 (25 balls)  
- Deepti Sharma: 35 not out (30 balls)  
- Ayabonga Khaka: 5/25  
- Annerie Dercksen: 1/13  

South Africa Innings: 116/6 in 20 overs
- Laura Wolvaardt: 29 (34 balls)  
- Chloe Tryon: 24 (20 balls)  
- Asha Sobhana: 2/21  
- Deepti Sharma: 1/2  

Result: India won by 28 runs

India's performance showcased their depth in both batting and bowling. Despite losing early wickets, Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma played crucial roles in setting a competitive total, while the Indian bowlers maintained a tight grip on South Africa's chase. Ayabonga Khaka's impressive five-wicket haul was the highlight for South Africa, but their cautious approach during the chase proved costly as they failed to accelerate at crucial moments.

India will take confidence from their all-round performance as they head into the main tournament, while South Africa will look to address their batting approach in upcoming games.