Lucknow, March 21: Indian women dished out a superb batting effort but their bowling colleagues failed to step up as South Africa women registered a series-clinching six-wicket win in a last ball thriller in the second T20 International here on Sunday.
Shafali Verma blasted six fours and two sixes in her 31-ball innings and forged a 79-run stand with Harleen Deol to set the foundation while Richa Ghosh provided the late charge with a 26-ball 44 not out to help India post a competitive 158 for 4 after being put in to bat.
Chasing the target, Lizelle Lee smashed a 45-ball 70 studded with 11 fours and a six, while Laura Wolvaardt slammed an unbeaten 39-ball 53 as South Africa romped home in the last ball.
Defending the total, left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad got rid of Anne Bosch early but Lee starred in two crucial partnerships, adding 58 with skipper Sune Luus and then 50 with Laura to keep them in the hunt.
Once Luus was run out by Deepti Sharma and Lee was caught and bowled by Radha Yadav, Laura took the onus on herself to take the team home.
Defending 19 off 12 balls, Harleen dismissed du Preez in the first ball but she conceded two fours, leaving Arundhati Reddy nine to defend in the last over.
Needing six off last two balls, Reddy bowled a no ball which changed the complexion of the game as Laura took the team home in the last ball.
Earlier, opener Shafali set the platform while Ghosh provided the finishing touch as India Women posted a competitive 158 for 4 in their 20 overs. (PTI)
