In a thrilling night of women’s T20 cricket at the iconic DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, India Women snapped a three-match losing streak with a disciplined 14-run win over the Proteas in the 4th T20I on April 25, 2026. The victory keeps South Africa firmly in control of the five-match series at 3-1, but India’s clinical performance offered a massive confidence boost heading into the decider.
Match Summary
South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first under the Wanderers lights. India posted a competitive 185/5 in their 20 overs, setting a challenging target of 186. South Africa fought hard in the chase but fell short at 171/9, with India’s bowling attack, led by all-rounder Deepti Sharma, proving decisive.
India’s Innings: Explosive Middle Order and a Strong Finish
India got off to a mixed start but built momentum through key partnerships. Openers Shafali Verma and Anushka Sharma (stepping in with Smriti Mandhana rested) provided the early platform. Jemimah Rodrigues then lit up the middle overs with a fluent 43 off 29 balls, anchoring the innings alongside Harmanpreet Kaur.
The real fireworks came in the death overs. Deepti Sharma (36* off 26) and Richa Ghosh (34* off 18) added a blistering 65-run partnership, smashing 56 runs in the last five overs without losing a wicket. Ghosh’s explosive hitting and Deepti’s composure helped India reach 185/5 – their highest total of the series so far. South Africa’s bowling was led by Kayla Reyneke (2/10 in 2 overs) and Eliz-mari Marx (2/28), but they couldn’t stem the late surge.
South Africa’s Chase: Promising Start, But Deepti’s Magic Turns the Tide
Chasing 186, the Proteas started aggressively, but India struck back with tight bowling and sharp fielding. Captain Laura Wolvaardt was dismissed early – the first time she failed to make a significant contribution in the series. Tazmin Brits (30 off 23) and Sune Luus (40 off 24) kept South Africa in the hunt with a solid middle-order stand.
Kayla Reyneke (21 off 19) and Eliz-mari Marx (21* off 13) provided late resistance, and Nonkululeko Mlaba chipped in with a quick 9* off 4, but the asking rate proved too steep. India conceded just 3 extras (2 wides, 1 leg bye), showcasing superb discipline.
Deepti Sharma: The Star of the Night
Deepti Sharma was unstoppable, earning Player of the Match honours for her all-round brilliance: an unbeaten 36 and a career-best 5/19 in 4 overs – her maiden T20I five-wicket haul. Her spell broke the back of South Africa’s chase, with key wickets including dangerous batters in the middle order. Richa Ghosh’s sharp catching behind the stumps and India’s overall fielding intensity complemented Deepti’s heroics perfectly.
Key Moments from the Highlights
- Electric crowd energy during the national anthems at the Wanderers.
- Jemimah Rodrigues’ classy strokeplay and the late fireworks from Deepti and Ghosh.
- South Africa’s fighting spirit in the chase, despite early setbacks and a slightly wet outfield.
- Deepti’s five-wicket spell – a match-defining performance that swung momentum decisively.
Series Outlook
With one T20I remaining, South Africa still lead 3-1 and will look to wrap up the series at home. India, however, have shown they can compete and defend totals effectively, raising questions about depth and providing answers on their own bench strength. The final match promises another high-stakes clash between two competitive sides.
This encounter was a classic T20 battle full of big hits, sharp fielding, and individual brilliance. Catch the full highlights on the official Cricket South Africa YouTube channel to relive every key moment from this unforgettable night at the Wanderers!
