India women suffered a six-wicket defeat at the hands of South Africa women in Manchester
India had won both their initial matches in the tournament so far
Marizanne Kapp played a crucial role as she scored her first T20 WC fifty
Marizanne Kapp delivered an impressive performance, scoring 81 runs off just 45 balls, as South Africa triumphed over India by six wickets in their ICC Women's T20 World Cup match at Old Trafford on Sunday.
India batted first, scoring 158 runs for the loss of seven wickets. South Africa successfully chased down the target of 159 runs, thanks to Kapp's outstanding unbeaten performance and Tazmin Brits' contribution of 40 runs off 36 balls, achieving the victory in just 19.1 overs.
Shree Charani (3/24) achieved a remarkable feat by taking three wickets for India.
After electing to bat first, India made an impressive beginning, accumulating 59 runs during the powerplay, thanks to the aggressive tactics of Shafali Verma (3 runs off 15 balls) and Smriti Mandhana (17 runs off 12 balls).
Nevertheless, the bowlers from South Africa made a commendable comeback by restricting India's scoring during the middle overs and securing crucial wickets, including that of Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who marked her 200th T20I appearance, a milestone that no other cricketer, regardless of gender, has reached in the annals of the sport.
In her milestone match, Harmanpreet scored 24 runs, while Deepti Sharma contributed a valuable 29 runs off 21 balls.
Shabnim Ismail achieved figures of 2 wickets for 28 runs, while Marizanne Kapp secured 2 wickets for 27 runs for South Africa.
The result meant Proteas women are well and truly alive in the tournament while India suffered their first defeat. Harmanpreet Kaur and co will now turn their attention towards an in-form Bangladesh women, who come on the back of a superb win over Pakistan.
India Vs South Africa, ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Toss Update
India women won the toss and elected to bat first against South Africa in Manchester.
India Vs South Africa, ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Playing XIs
South Africa Women: Laura Wolvaardt(c), Tazmin Brits, Annerie Dercksen, Dane van Niekerk, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Tryon(w), Sinalo Jafta, Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba
India Women: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Richa Ghosh(w), Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Arundhati Reddy, Shree Charani, Nandni Sharma
