How Did Sneh Rana Lead India Women to a 15-Run Victory Over South Africa Women?

Colombo, April 29 (NationPress) India Women achieved a thrilling victory, triumphing by 15 runs against South Africa Women at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, marking their second consecutive win in the ongoing Sri Lanka tri-series. After initially facing a daunting 140-run opening partnership by the Proteas, the Indian team staged a remarkable comeback, spearheaded by the dependable Sneh Rana.

India's total of 276/6 in 50 overs appeared formidable, yet not invulnerable, particularly as South Africa raced to 140 without losing a wicket. However, Rana's pivotal over in the 48th, where she claimed three wickets, transformed the match and helped the Women in Blue defend their score with a narrow margin.

Winning the toss and opting to bat for the second consecutive match, India began cautiously with openers Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana evaluating the pitch conditions effectively. The duo amassed 43 runs during the powerplay without taking unnecessary risks.

They expanded their opening partnership to 83 runs, with Rawal exhibiting her composure at the crease while Mandhana elegantly struck through the leg side before being dismissed for 36 in the 19th over.

Rawal later secured another solid half-century—her fifth in a row—anchoring the innings similarly to her last match. However, the Indian innings encountered difficulties in the middle overs when Harleen Deol was unable to convert her promising start.

It was here that Jemimah Rodrigues and captain Harmanpreet Kaur took charge. Both scored identical totals of 41, ensuring India kept pace towards a competitive total.

The innings concluded with a flourish from wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who hit significant boundaries in the closing overs alongside Harmanpreet. India finished robustly, accumulating 94 runs in the last 11 overs to achieve 276/6—a score that seemed adequate but not entirely secure on the flat Khettarama pitch.

South Africa's response started strong. Openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits set a solid foundation, playing aggressively yet sensibly, punishing any loose deliveries. By the 10-over mark, South Africa had already reached 61 without losing a wicket, keeping the required run rate well within reach.

India's bowlers faced pressure, but Deepti Sharma managed to break through, trapping Wolvaardt for 43 in the 24th over—a crucial breakthrough for India at the right time. Soon after, Sneh Rana returned to the attack and inflicted another soft dismissal.

Despite losing two wickets, South Africa maintained the upper hand, with Brits aiming for her century and Chloe Tryon displaying positive aggression. Brits achieved her third ODI century, a remarkable feat given the taxing conditions, but soon after retired hurt on 108 due to cramps, a key turning point as South Africa's innings began to falter.

Tryon and Annerie Dercksen posed a threat to India with a quick counter-attack, forming a vital partnership. With 25 runs needed off the last three overs and five wickets remaining, the game appeared to tilt toward the Proteas. Yet, Rana returned for a memorable final over.

She first dismissed the dangerous Tryon, who misjudged the delivery, then struck back-to-back wickets of Dercksen and the returning Tazmin Brits, who had returned despite cramps.

Rana's remarkable over dismantled the middle order in just three balls, completely shifting the match in India’s favor. From needing 25 runs off 18 balls, South Africa suddenly found themselves at 8 wickets down and struggling.

The tail failed to mount a fightback, and two run-outs sealed South Africa's fate as they collapsed for 261 runs in 49.3 overs—15 runs short of the target. Rana was the standout performer, with figures of 5 for 43—the best in the match, delivering a spell that altered the course of the game.

This victory places India at the top of the tri-series standings, providing them with invaluable momentum as they head into their next match.

Brief scores:

India-W 276/6 in 50 overs (Pratika Rawal 78, Jemimah Rodrigues 41; Nonkululeko Mlaba 2-55, Ayabonga Khaka 1-42) beat South Africa-W 261 all out in 50 overs (Tazmin Brits 109, Laura Wolvaardt 43; Sneh Rana 5-43, Deepti Sharma 1-40) by 15 runs.