Tazmin Brits’ century was in vain as South Africa suffered a 15-run defeat to India in their first match of the Women’s ODI Tri-Series in Colombo.

Brits scored 109 off 107 balls, including 13 fours and three sixes, but the Proteas Women fell short in their chase of India’s 276-6.

Player of the Match Sneh Rana starred with the ball for India, claiming a match-winning 5-43. Her spell followed a composed 78 off 91 balls by Pratika Rawal with the bat.

The India Women, having won the toss and elected to bat, made a bright start thanks to openers Smriti Mandhana (36) and Rawal, who added 83 for the first wicket. Their partnership was broken when all-rounder Annerie Dercksen (1-40) dismissed Mandhana, caught behind by debutant Karabo Meso.

Undeterred, Rawal reached her fifth ODI fifty, combining with Harleen Deol (29) to take India past 100. Just as their 50-run stand was gaining momentum, left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba (2-55) struck twice in successive overs, bowling both batters to leave India at 154-2 in the 33rd over.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur then teamed up with Jemimah Rodrigues (41) to rebuild the innings, the pair adding a vital 59-run partnership to carry India beyond 200. Rodrigues’ dismissal at 213-4, courtesy of a fine catch at short fine leg off Masabata Klaas (1-43), opened the door for the dangerous Richa Ghosh.

Ghosh launched a blistering cameo, scoring 24 from just 14 deliveries, adding 34 with Kaur before South Africa hit back. Ayabonga Khaka (1-42) and Nadine de Klerk (1-39) removed Ghosh and Deepti Sharma (nine) respectively to stem the flow of runs.

Kaur remained unbeaten on 41 off 48 balls.

The Proteas Women began their chase in fine fashion, as Brits played the leading role in a half-century stand for the first wicket alongside captain Laura Wolvaardt (42), taking them to 61-0 at the end of the powerplay. The chase looked well on course until Deepti Sharma (1-40) trapped Wolvaardt lbw to break the 140-run partnership.

Brits carried on confidently with support from Lara Goodall (nine) and debutant Meso (seven), eventually reaching her third ODI century. However, she was forced to retire hurt with cramps as the Proteas stood at 170-2.

In her absence, all-rounders Suné Luus (28), Chloé Tryon (18) and Annerie Dercksen (30) added valuable contributions to the run chase for South Africa but India’s bowlers tightened the screws by continuing to pick up wickets at regular intervals.

In addition to dismissing Goodall earlier, Rana added four more scalps, including the returning Brits who came back to bat at nine. Two late run-outs sealed South Africa’s fate, and India emerged victorious with four balls remaining.

The Proteas Women will next face hosts Sri Lanka on Friday.

Photo: SLC