In a thrilling encounter at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, India Women faced off against South Africa Women in the second ODI of the Women’s Tri-Series 2025 on April 29, 2025. The match marked South Africa's return to international cricket after a four-month hiatus, while India aimed to extend their impressive winning streak in ODIs.
India Women, riding high on momentum from their recent nine-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the tournament opener, were eager to maintain their form. The Indian bowlers had showcased exceptional skill, led by spinners Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, and Shree Charani, who had restricted Sri Lanka to a modest total. The batting lineup, featuring standout performances from Pratika Rawal and Jemimah Rodrigues, had also proven effective, with Rawal scoring a vital fifty and Rodrigues contributing significantly to the chase.
The match commenced with India winning the toss and opting to bat first. This decision was strategic, considering the slower pitch conditions in Colombo, which were expected to assist spinners as the match progressed. The Indian openers, Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, started cautiously, navigating the early overs with care. Their partnership laid a solid foundation, even as they faced a few challenges against South Africa's bowling attack.
India's innings began steadily, with the score reaching 28 without loss after 8 overs. Mandhana and Rawal demonstrated a balanced approach, selecting their moments to attack while respecting the good deliveries. However, South Africa's bowlers, particularly Annerie Dercksen, eventually broke the opening stand, dismissing Mandhana for 36 runs off 54 balls. This breakthrough provided South Africa with a glimmer of hope.
Despite the loss of Mandhana, Rawal continued to shine, bringing up her fifth consecutive fifty in ODIs with a stunning six. She ultimately scored 78 runs off 91 balls, showcasing her growing prowess in the format. Harleen Deol and Jemimah Rodrigues also contributed valuable runs, with Rodrigues scoring 41 off just 32 balls, helping India to a competitive total of 276 runs.
As India closed their innings, the late surge in scoring, particularly in the last ten overs where they amassed 82 runs, highlighted their batting depth and aggressive intent. The team’s performance was not without its challenges, as South Africa's fielding lapses—three dropped catches and missed run-out opportunities—proved costly.
In response, South Africa Women launched their innings with determination, with captain Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits attacking the Indian bowlers right from the start. The duo quickly put together a strong opening partnership, with Brits scoring a fluent half-century off just 45 balls. Their aggressive start saw South Africa reach 107 for no loss at one point, putting India on the back foot.
However, India’s bowlers, known for their resilience, began to claw back into the match. Sneh Rana, in particular, made a significant impact, taking crucial wickets and re-entering the ODI bowling rankings at 57th after her successful comeback. The pressure mounted on South Africa as they faced a disciplined Indian bowling attack, which capitalized on the conditions.
As the match progressed, the turning point came when India managed to break the opening partnership. The Indian fielders tightened their grip, and with Rana's sharp bowling, South Africa's scoring rate began to slow. The Indian team, buoyed by their earlier batting success, displayed exceptional fielding skills, further putting pressure on the South African batters.
With the match still in a delicate balance, both teams were eager to secure the win. India, having not lost to South Africa in this format since March 2022, were keen to maintain their dominance. The last time these two teams met in a 50-over series, India had swept the series 3-0, and they were determined to replicate that success.
The live streaming of the match was available for Indian fans on the FanCode platform, while viewers in Sri Lanka could catch the action on ThePapare. The match started at 10:00 AM IST, with the toss taking place at 9:30 AM IST, setting the stage for an exciting day of cricket.
As the game unfolded, it became clear that both teams were prepared to fight hard for victory. With the batting conditions favoring aggressive play and the pitch offering some assistance to spinners, the match promised to be a nail-biter. Fans were treated to a display of skill, strategy, and determination from both sides, making it a must-watch encounter in the Women’s Tri-Series 2025.
In conclusion, the clash between India Women and South Africa Women in this ODI showcased the growing competitiveness of women's cricket. With both teams displaying their strengths and resilience, the match not only entertained but also highlighted the evolving landscape of women's sports on the international stage. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on how both teams adapt and respond to the challenges ahead.
