South Africa women’s team continued form against India after beating the Mithali Raj-led side by 5 wickets in the fifth and final ODI in Lucknow to wrap the series 4-1. The South African side were handed a target of 189 runs in 50 overs and the visitors chased it down in the 49th over.
Though, South Africa had early hiccups in the chase after Rajeshwari Gayakwad picked up a couple of early wickets. The visitors were left tottering at 27/3 with Sune Luus, Laura Wolvaardt and Lara Goodall back in the hut.
But Mignon du Preez and Anne Bosch then joined hands and stitched a partnership of 96 runs before Bosch departed for 58. Preez was the fifth batter to be dismissed for 57. Marizanne Kapp who remained not out at 36 along with Nadine de Klerk made sure that the South African team didn’t lose any further wickets. The two anchored the Proteas side to win.
Earlier, the Indian batting line up failed to leave a mark. Captain Mithali Raj though notched up a half-century to take India a total of 188/9 in 49.3 overs. Harmanpreet Kaur had to go back to the pavilion retired hurt.
Klerk picked up three wickets for South Africa while Shangase and Sekhukhune scalped a couple of wickets each.
The Indian team only managed to win the second ODI and will now lock horns with the South African team in the three-match T20I series scheduled to begin on March 20 in Lucknow.