Indian women's cricket vice-captain Smriti Mandhana played a pivotal role in her team's crucial victory against South Africa in the fourth T20I, earning the well-deserved Player of the Match award. Her composed innings and leadership were instrumental in levelling the five-match series 2-2, setting the stage for an exciting decider.
Executing the Game Plan to Perfection
Speaking after the match on Saturday, July 13, Mandhana revealed that the team's approach was consistent with their previous games, but the execution was far superior. She scored a vital 48 runs off 42 balls, providing a solid foundation for India's total of 177 for 4 after being asked to bat first. Mandhana emphasized that the plan was to build partnerships and accelerate at the right moment, a strategy that finally clicked for the batting unit.
"The plan was similar to what we had in the first three games," Mandhana stated in the post-match presentation. "It was just about executing it better. We had a lot of discussions after the last match, and I'm really happy that we could execute what we had spoken about." Her partnership with fellow opener Shafali Verma, which yielded 46 runs, and a significant 61-run stand with Harmanpreet Kaur were crucial in setting up a challenging target.
Bowlers Seal the Deal in Must-Win Encounter
While Mandhana's batting set the stage, the Indian bowlers delivered a clinical performance to defend the total. The spin duo of Radha Yadav and Deepti Sharma applied immense pressure in the middle overs. Radha Yadav was particularly outstanding, finishing with remarkable figures of 3 for 6 in her three overs, effectively derailing South Africa's chase. The visitors were restricted to 140 for 8, handing India a convincing 37-run win.
Mandhana was full of praise for the bowling attack, highlighting their discipline and ability to stick to the field placements. The victory was a complete team effort, marking a strong comeback after trailing in the series. The win ensured the multi-format tour, which India has already secured, remains a successful one, with the T20 series now hanging in the balance.
Looking Ahead to the Series Decider
With the series tantalizingly poised at 2-2, all eyes are now on the final T20I. Mandhana expressed confidence in the team's momentum and the clarity of their plans. The successful execution in this high-pressure match has boosted the squad's morale. The Indian team will look to carry this winning formula into the decider, aiming to clinch the T20 series against a resilient South African side.
The performance in Chennai has demonstrated the team's ability to learn and adapt quickly. As Mandhana pointed out, translating discussions from the dressing room into performance on the field was the key difference. Fans can expect another thrilling contest as both teams vie for the series trophy in the final showdown.
