Spinners help India whitewash SA 3-0

Vadodara, October 14

Spinners helped India pull off a thrilling six-run win over South Africa in a low-scoring third women’s ODI and complete a 3-0 series whitewash here today. India were able to defend a modest 146 by bowling out South Africa for 140 in 48 overs. Spinners Ekta Bisht (3/32 in 10 overs), Deepti Sharma (2/24 in 10 over) and Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2/22 in 10 overs) were the architects of the win.

It seemed South Africa would get their first win of the series when they bundled out India in 45.5 overs. India made a disastrous start after winning the toss, losing openers Priya Punia and Jemimah Rodrgues in the second over.

Harmanpreet steady

With the hosts reeling at 55/5, T20 skipper Harmanpreet Kaur steadied the innings with a 76-ball 38 with the other valuable contribution coming from Shikha Pandey (35 off 40). Most of the batters, including captain Mithali Raj (11 off 46), failed to shift gears after getting settled.

Indian fightback 

South Africa were on course for a comfortable win at 103/5 in the 30th over. However, India fought back through their spinners and even part-timers Harmanpreet and Jemimah did their bit. Jemimah took the final wicket of the game — her first scalp in international cricket — to spark off the celebrations. 

India had won the first two matches by eight and six wickets, respectively. 

Brief Scores: India Women: 146 all out in 45.5 overs (Harmanpreet 38, Pandey 35; Kapp 3/20, Ismail 2/18, Khaka 2/33); South Africa Women: 140 all out in 48 overs (Kapp 29; Bisht 3/32, Gayakwad 2/22, Sharma 2/24) — PTI