India Target Final Spot as South Africa Fight to Stay Alive in Women’s Tri-Series

With a place in the final up for grabs, India Women’s Cricket Team are set to clash with a struggling South African side in the ongoing Women’s Tri-Series 2025, taking place in Colombo on Wednesday, May 6.

India’s campaign has been largely successful, sitting at the top of the points table with four points from three matches and a strong net run rate of 0.433. Although their eight-match winning streak was halted by hosts Sri Lanka on May 4, Harmanpreet Kaur’s squad remains in control of their own destiny.

“We need to tighten up our bowling unit,” skipper Kaur said after their recent loss. The bowling attack, which had been India’s strength in earlier games, faltered in their previous outing, giving Sri Lanka the upper hand. Adding to the concern is seam-bowling all-rounder Kashvee Gautam, who limped off with an apparent injury during that match.

Pratika Rawal and Sneh Rana: India’s In-Form Weapons

India’s top order has been anchored by Pratika Rawal, who leads the tournament with 163 runs, including two solid half-centuries. On the bowling front, Sneh Rana has been India’s standout performer, claiming 11 wickets in three games, including a memorable five-wicket haul against South Africa.

Rana’s economy rate of 4.25 places her just behind South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk, who is also among the top bowlers despite her team’s poor run.

South Africa’s Form Slump and Heat Struggles

In stark contrast, South Africa Women’s Cricket Team find themselves winless and at the bottom of the table. They’ve now lost eight of their last nine ODIs, with both defeats in this Tri-Series exposing their flaws in both batting and bowling departments.

The Proteas showed resilience in their opening game against India but crumbled in the closing overs. Their subsequent loss to Sri Lanka was more one-sided. South Africa’s inability to maintain line and length with the ball, coupled with inconsistent batting, has cost them dearly.

Playing in Sri Lanka’s heat hasn’t helped either. Tazmin Brits suffered cramps and had to retire hurt against India, while Karabo Meso left the field in their next game due to heat-related illness. “The heat was on today, and you could see the girls suffering. But that’s no excuse,” admitted head coach Mandla Mashimbyi.

What’s at Stake

While India aim to confirm their place in the final with a commanding performance, South Africa are playing for survival. A loss would officially knock them out of contention, whereas a win would keep their slim hopes alive.

Match Details:

• ? Date: May 6, 2025

• ? Time: 10 a.m. IST

• ? Venue: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Squads:

India: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (w), Deepti Sharma, Kashvee Gautam, Arundhati Reddy, Sneh Rana, Nallapureddy Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Amanjot Kaur, Tejal Hasabnis, Shuchi Upadhyay.

South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Tryon, Sinalo Jafta (w), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka, Karabo Meso, Miane Smit, Nondumiso Shangase, Seshnie Naidu.

Will India seal their final spot, or can South Africa pull off a surprise? Stay tuned for all the latest action and analysis from Colombo.

{Source: The Hindu}

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