In a high-stakes encounter at the famous Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg Indian Women‘s team finally found their rhythm and won by 14 South African Women April 25, 2026. Going into the 4th T20I, the ‘Women in Blue’ were desperate to turn the tide of the series. It was a thoroughly clinical feat under clear Gauteng skies Deepti Sharma It proved to be the difference maker, breathing life back into the Indian camp and securing their first win of the tour.
India Women set a tough target for South Africa
After being put into bat, India’s top order showed its intent right from the opening. While explosive Shafali Verma fell early for 9, Anushka Sharma (27 off 18) and reliable Jemima Rodrigues steadied the ship. Rodrigues played the role of anchor turned aggressor, hitting 43 off 29 balls with three boundaries and two sixes. His partnership with the captain Harmanpreet Kaur (22) ensured that India maintained a healthy run rate, crossing the 100-run mark in just 11 overs.
However, the real push came during the fight to the death. With India looking to wobble a bit at 120/5, Deepti and Richa Ghosh combined for a blistering unbeaten 65-run stand for the sixth wicket. Ghosh was particularly devastating, smashing 34 off just 18 balls at a strike rate of 188.88. Deepti provided excellent support with 36* off 26 balls. Together they took India to 185/5 in 20 overs. Although Elise-Marie Marks‘s efforts (2/28), the South African bowlers struggled to contain the late batting attack, leaving the hosts with a steep chase of 9.3 runs per over.
Deepti Sharma takes five wickets to seal India’s first win of the series
South Africa’s response began with characteristic aggression. Captain Laura Wolvaardt (18) and Sune Luus attacked the Indian pacers as they raced to 59 runs in the Powerplay. Luus looked dangerous, scoring 40 off 24 balls, while Tazmin Brits contributed a steady 30. However, the introduction of spin has completely changed the speed.
Deepti prepared a master class on T20 finger spinning. He broke the chase by dropping the set first Sleep on the bone and then systematically dismantled the middle and lower ranks. His ability to vary pace and length on the Johannesburg surface left the Proteas batsmen scrambling for answers. Deepti finished with incredible figures of 5/19 in 4 overs, maintaining an economy of just 4.75, an amazing feat in a high-scoring game.
Despite Marks late (21*), South Africa’s chase fizzled as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Kranti Gaud and Shree Charani provided crucial breakthroughs at the top, but it was Deepti’s five wickets that saw South Africa end on 171/9. With this 14-run win, India not only opened their account in the series but also showed their ability to defend totals under pressure. Deepti was the undisputed Player of the Match for her match winning contribution of 36 runs and 5 wickets.
Take a bow, Deepti Sharma 🫡
His brilliant 5⃣/19 guides #TeamIndia 👏🙌 to a 1⃣4⃣ win in Johannesburg
Account card ▶️ https://t.co/92BPfF0bsf#SAVIN | @Deepti_Sharma06 pic.twitter.com/JO9hZA9abR
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) April 25, 2026
Also READ: SA-W vs IND-W, T20I Series: Date, Match Time, Broadcast & Live Streaming Details
This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
