The SA U19 Women fell to their second defeat in the Youth T20 International (T20I) Tri-Series, losing by four wickets to India U19 B in their final round-robin match at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Monday.
India's victory was spearheaded by Niki Prasad, whose blistering knock of 49 from 33 balls (seven fours, one six) anchored the hosts' successful chase in 17.2 overs. Earlier, Supriya Arela's impressive figures of three of 27 restricted South Africa to 132/5 in their 20 overs.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, South Africa made a steady start with openers Simoné Lourens (16) and Diedré van Rensburg (37) building a platform, reaching 28 without loss in the fifth over. The stand was broken by Nandhana Sridharan (1/29), who dismissed Lourens.
Van Rensburg then combined effectively with Chanel Venter (33) in a 52-run partnership that lifted the visitors to 80/1. However, just as South Africa seemed to gain momentum, Arela struck, removing Venter.
Van Rensburg added another 26 runs alongside skipper Kayla Reyneke (27), but Vaishnavi Sharma (1/22) ended Van Rensburg's innings in the 17th over, leaving South Africa at 106/3. Reyneke and Mieke van Voorst (11) pushed the score to 131 before Arela removed both batters in the final over, leaving South Africa on 132/5.
India’s chase got off to a shaky start as Reyneke (1/23) and Nthabiseng Nini (1/26) dismissed openers K. Mahanthi Sree (1) and G. Kamalini (11) within the first three overs, reducing the hosts to 25/2.
This brought captain Prasad and wicketkeeper-batter Bharti Upadhaya (23) to the crease. The duo steadied the innings, forging a crucial 58-run partnership for the third wicket, propelling India to 83/2 in the 11th over before Upadhaya was run out.
Prasad continued to guide the innings, finding support from Aayushi Shukla (14). Despite the dismissal of Ishwari Awasare (1) by Seshnie Naidu (1/33), India crossed the 100-run mark in the 15th over.
With just 14 runs needed, South Africa tried to stage a late comeback, claiming the wickets of Prasad and Shukla through Fay Cowling (1/17) and Luyanda Nzuza (1/13). However, Parshavi Chopra (11*) and Mithila Vinod (2*) saw India home, sealing the win with ease.
After confirming second spot on the points table, the SA U19 Women will take on first place India U19 B in the Tri-Series finale on Thursday. 12 December at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune from 11h30 local time (08h00 SAST).
South Africa U19 Women Squad: Youth T20 International Tri-Series against India A & B (03 - 12 December)
Jemma Botha (World Sports Betting Western Province), Fay Cowling (DP World Lions), Jae-Leigh Filander (World Sports Betting Western Province), Mona-Lisa Legodi (Fidelity Titans), Simoné Lourens (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Nthabiseng Nini (Glencore Dragons), Luyanda Nzuza (Knights), Diara Ramlakan (DP World Lions), Kayla Reyneke (World Sports Betting Western Province), Diedré van Rensburg (Glencore Dragons), Mieke van Voorst (Eastern Storm), Ashleigh van Wyk (Eastern Storm), Chanel Venter (Fidelity Titans)
SA U19 Women’s Youth T20I Tri-Series v India U19 A & B (03 - 12 December 2024)
Tuesday, 10 December - 6th Youth T20I: India U19 A v India U19 B (Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune)
Thursday, 12 December - Youth T20I Tri-Series Final: India U19 B v SA U19 Women (Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune)