Shabnim Ismail’s 5-30 set up a series-saving victory for the Proteas Women, who beat India by five wickets in the third T20 at the Wanderers on Sunday.
It was a breathtaking display from the Proteas quick, who ripped through the India lower order.
Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk pegged the visitors back at 55-2 before Ismail got the game-changing scalp of India captain Harmanpreet Kaur to turn the game in their favour.
Kaur looked set to get her fifth career half-century, but got a thick outside edge off an in-swinger from Ismail to see her depart on 48 off 30 balls, two balls into the 11th over. Ismail struck again two balls later, as India were throttled six runs shy of the 100-run mark.
Ismail picked up further wickets in the 14th and 18th overs to finish the visitors off for just 133. She finished with career-best figures of 5-30 at an economy rate of 7.82.
Special mention must go to Kapp, who took 1-6 in her three overs, and Masabata Klaas, whose double in the 17th over helped restrict India to 127-8.
The Proteas Women’s chase was dominated by a feisty 41 off 34 balls from Sune Luus. The 22-year-old was supported by her captain, Van Niekerk (26 off 20 balls) and the experienced Mignon du Preez (20 off 27 balls) after losing Lizelle Lee early on 5.
Luus lost her wicket after skewing a misjudged slower delivery, straight into the hands of Shikha Pandey at cover.
With the Proteas on 111-4 after the loss of Luus, the game was set up perfectly for Chloe Tryon, who lived up to her reputation and smashed four fours and two sixes for her 15-ball 34, to all but seal a win for the home side.
It looked certain that the 24-year-old would finish the job, but she charged down the track and swung wildly at a full-length delivery and was stumped with the South African Women on 131-5 (18.3 overs).
Kapp and Nadine de Klerk found the three runs needed for the win, as the Proteas Women won by five wickets to take the five-match series to 2-1.
Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images
