Tazmin Brits produced a valiant century, but it was not enough to prevent South Africa from falling to a 15-run defeat against India in a dramatic One-Day International played in searing heat at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday.

Brits scored a sublime 109 off 107 deliveries, including 13 fours and three sixes, as the Proteas Women chased India’s competitive total of 276 for six. Despite her efforts, South Africa were bowled out short of the target in the final over.

India’s all-rounder Sneh Rana delivered a match-winning performance, earning Player of the Match honours with figures of 5 for 43. Her efforts with the ball followed a composed innings of 78 off 91 balls by Pratika Rawal, who anchored the Indian batting.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, India got off to a solid start with openers Smriti Mandhana (36) and Rawal combining for an 83-run stand. The breakthrough came when all-rounder Annerie Dercksen (1 for 40) dismissed Mandhana, caught behind by debutant wicketkeeper Karabo Meso.

Rawal continued to build the innings, reaching her fifth ODI half-century and combining with Harleen Deol (29) before left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba (2 for 55) made a crucial double breakthrough to leave India at 154 for 2 in the 33rd over.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur (41*) and Jemimah Rodrigues (41) added a vital 59-run partnership to steady the innings, before Rodrigues was dismissed via a sharp catch off the bowling of Masabata Klaas (1 for 43). A late cameo by Richa Ghosh (24 off 14) pushed India to a challenging total, though South Africa’s bowlers—Ayabonga Khaka (1 for 42) and Nadine de Klerk (1 for 39)—claimed key wickets to restrict further damage.

In response, the Proteas Women made an excellent start. Brits and captain Laura Wolvaardt (42) added 61 runs during the powerplay, and their partnership blossomed to 140 before Wolvaardt was trapped lbw by Deepti Sharma (1 for 40).

Brits pressed on, supported by Lara Goodall (9) and debutant Meso (7), eventually notching up her third ODI century. Unfortunately, she was forced to retire hurt on 109 due to cramping, leaving South Africa at 170 for 2.

Despite spirited contributions from Suné Luus (28), Chloé Tryon (18) and Dercksen (30), India maintained pressure with disciplined bowling and key breakthroughs. Rana’s five-wicket haul included the returning Brits, who bravely came back in at No. 9.

Two late run-outs sealed South Africa’s fate as India secured victory with four balls to spare.

The Proteas Women will now turn their attention to their next fixture against hosts Sri Lanka on Friday.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]