Brits and Kapp fifties help South Africa to their first victory of India tour
The hosts fell 12 runs short in Chennai and now trail the three-match T20I series 1-0
The hosts fell 12 runs short in Chennai and now trail the three-match T20I series 1-0
Scorer: Ranjith P | Commentator: S Sudarshanan
South Africa go 1-0 up, then. A superb win, a confidence-boosting win. India have a lot to work upon, and very little time between games. Do join us for the second T20I day after tomorrow. For tonight, on behalf of Ranjith and Shashank, goodbye and good night! Take care.
10:30pm Time for the presentation
Harmanpreet Kaur, India captain: "We didn't play good cricket overall. Dropped too many chance which cost us 20 runs extras. While batting, we played too many dots in the middle overs. They bowled well, didn't give us easy. The way we started, we thought we should keep going, but couldn't because of dot balls. While bowling, we need to be aware how the batters are batting and should set fields and bowl accordingly."
Laura Wolvaardt, South Africa captain: "Much nicer standing here after a win. After a tough three weeks, feels good. Started the fight in the Test, this shows the hard work is paying off. Not too upset batting first. Tough to defend, would have liked to bowl first. Cricket is a funny game, really liked the intent we came with. Looked positive with the bat, had wickets in the shed."
Tazmin Brits, Player of the Match: "Don't think I can explain that. I might have made the runs, still not happy with myself. I was struggling and felt I was letting Wolfie and Kappie down. I have got a bit of cramp and contusion. Hopefully can rest and sort it down. The ODIs were not great for me. Glad that it was great bowling, and Mlaba survived that over. Good to have a win ahead of the World Cup."
Raji: "Jemimah didnt give up till the end. Really proud of the way she carried on with her bat.. Great work!!!"
Satyam Garg: "India shouldn't worry much. This was their worst performance but still gave good fight. Drop chance of all SA top order. Richa concussion (although doubtful) and 46 ball 49 by hemlata and harman. I expect india to win next 2"
10:16pm Rodrigues looks unconsolable. Fantastic knock that. Harmanpreet pats her on her head. South Africa all smiles, deservedly so. That partnership between Kapp and Brits turned out to be a masterclass. There was another mini-masterclass from Rodrigues, but eventually she had a bit too much to do.
Brits, the star of the game now walks out belatedly. She was out due to a right lower leg contusion. Shakes hands with all the players. The sadness on Indian players' faces visible. Perhaps the phase between overs 11 to 16 with the ball is where India lost the plot - they gave away 67 runs in that phase, allowing South Africa a platform heading into the death.
Marizanne Kapp: "The win took longer than we would have liked. Good to get it heading into the World Cup. I'd put the sweep shots away for some reason. Luckily worked for me today. We have been speaking a lot about being positive. We play that way in the nets, but for some reason play conservatively in the middle. [Bowling] I am very close to bowling. Had a back injury, slowly working my way. Will be out there soon. [Brits] Brilliant innings. Struggled first, but brilliant end. If you are struggling, you may take over, tonight showed that."
H Kaur st †Jafta b Mlaba 35 (44m 29b 5x4 0x6) SR: 120.68
Two sixes, can Harmanpreet do it?
14 off 3
21 off 6. ESPNcricinfo win predictor has shot India's chances up to 32% now. Mlaba to bowl
The opener was on a run-a-ball 25 before finishing on 81 off 56 to help South Africa notch up their first win on the tour
The hosts fell 12 runs short in Chennai and now trail the three-match T20I series 1-0
Neither player was able to take a full part in the first T20I between India and South Africa in Chennai on Friday
The South Africa captain says she will experiment with her spinners in the powerplay as well as at the death during the series in Chennai