India women draw first blood

Chasing a target 165, India’s run-chase got off to a good start as Mithali Raj and Smriti Mandhana put on 47 for the first wicket inside five overs. 

The home side fought back though and dismissed Mandhana (28) and India captain Harmanpreet Kaur (0) off consecutive balls. 

Raj continued on her merry way and formed a partnership with debutant Jemimah Rodrigues (37) that yielded 69 runs. 

Home captain Dane van Niekerk accounted for Rodrigues but Veda Krishnamurthy (37 not out), together with Raj, made sure there was no further hiccups as the former India skipper ended unbeaten on 54 as the visitors won with seven balls to spare. 

Earlier, the host made its way to a total 164/4 in their 20 overs with Van Niekerk top-scoring with 38 while there were further contributions from Mignon du Preez (31) and debutant Nadine de Klerk (23 not out).

BRIEF SCORES: South Africa 164/4 in 20 overs (D van Niekerk 38, M du Preez 31, Anuja Patil 2/23) lost to India 168/3 in 18.5 overs (Mithali Raj 54, J Rodriques 37, Veda Krishnamurthy 37*).