India women lose T20 series as well to Proteas women despite gallant fight

Proteas women cricketers after their maiden T20 series win over India women on Sunday. Image: BCCI Women

Xtra Time Web Desk: Attacking half centuries by Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt helped Proteas women secure their first-ever Twenty20 Series victory over India with a thrilling last-ball win in the second T20 International at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday.

Opener Lee recorded a swashbuckling 70 off 45 balls (11 fours, 1 six) to lead a big chase of 159, with Wolvaardt, who bats in the middle-order in 20-over cricket, then finishing the job with an unbeaten 53 off 39 balls (7 fours)  – the tourists edging to a six-wicket triumph from the final ball of the innings.

Earlier it was Shafali Verma (47), Harleen Deol (31) and Richa Ghosh (44*) who helped the hosts amass a strong 158 for four after the South Africans won the toss and opted to field first.

But another fine batting effort by the visitors clinched a result that ensured South Africa beat the Indians for the first time in a series in what was their third attempt.

It also meant Hilton Moreeng’s charges had followed up their 4-1 ODI success on the tour earlier this week by moving into an unassailable 2-0 lead with one match to play on Tuesday.