India Faces Batting Collapse in 2nd WT20I Despite Shafali's Heroics
Synopsis
In a thrilling match, Shafali Verma shone in her 100th T20I, scoring 57 runs, but India's batting collapse resulted in a total of only 147. This loss shifts momentum to South Africa, who now aim for a commanding series lead.
Key Takeaways
Shafali Verma scored 57 runs in her 100th T20I match.
India lost their last seven wickets for just 33 runs.
The final score was 147 runs in 20 overs.
South Africa's bowlers, Chloe Tryon and Tumi Sekhukhune , both took three wickets.
India needs to regroup for the upcoming matches in the series.
Durban, April 19 (NationPress) In her 100th T20I appearance, opener Shafali Verma scored a remarkable half-century, but it was overshadowed by a stunning batting collapse as India was dismissed for a mere 147 runs in exactly 20 overs against South Africa during the second T20I at Kingsmead on Sunday.
After appearing to be in a strong position at 99/3, India lost their final seven wickets for just 33 runs, leading to a subpar total. This batting failure shifted the momentum to the Proteas, who now need 148 runs to secure a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Shafali's innings of 57 off 38 balls featured seven fours and two sixes, making her the sole highlight in an otherwise lackluster batting performance. The middle order, apart from debutant Anushka Sharma, who managed a sluggish 28 on a slow pitch, struggled to contribute significantly.
For South Africa, both Tumi Sekhukhune and Chloe Tryon excelled with three wickets each, effectively using slower deliveries and maintaining a disciplined length. Shafali began aggressively, hitting Sekhukhune for a six in the first over. Smriti Mandhana (12) looked promising with three boundaries off Ayabonga Khaka before being dismissed by Tryon while attempting a sweep.
After Jemimah Rodrigues fell cheaply to Tryon, Anushka joined Shafali for a 53-run partnership to stabilize the innings. However, Anushka struggled to find her rhythm, scoring a slow 28 off 31 balls, even as Shafali, who was dropped on 28, notched her 15th T20I fifty off 31 balls.
Once their partnership ended in the 13th over when Anushka was caught at deep mid-wicket off Tryon, the floodgates opened for South Africa. Shafali was dismissed shortly after, caught brilliantly by a diving Nadine de Klerk at long-off.
The middle and lower order provided little resistance against the disciplined South African attack. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur (12) was run out due to a sharp piece of glovework by keeper Sinalo Jafta, while Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, and Shreyanka Patil all fell quickly.
Some late boundaries from Sree Charani and Arundhati Reddy helped India surpass the 140-mark before Reddy was run out on the final ball, concluding a disappointing batting effort from the visitors.
Brief Scores: India 147 in 20 overs (Shafali Verma 57, Anushka Sharma 28; Chloe Tryon 3-22, Tumi Sekhukhune 3-31) against South Africa
Point of View
It's crucial to reflect on India's batting performance. Despite Shafali Verma's impressive innings, the team's collapse raises concerns ahead of the next matches. The focus now shifts to how they can regroup and regain their momentum in the ongoing series.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the match?
India scored 147 runs in 20 overs.
Who was the standout player for India?
Shafali Verma was the standout player, scoring 57 runs.
Which South African players took three wickets?
Chloe Tryon and Tumi Sekhukhune both took three wickets.
What position were India in before the collapse?
India was at 99/3 before losing their last seven wickets for just 33 runs.
What is the series score after this match?
South Africa leads the series 2-0.
