Sree Charani put India in control against South Africa with a double-wicket maiden in the powerplay at Old Trafford on Sunday, 21 June. The left-arm spinner removed Laura Wolvaardt and Annerie Dercksen in the sixth over of South Africa’s chase, leaving the Proteas 25/2 after India had posted 158/7 in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup meeting.
India had earlier been checked by South Africa’s experienced attack after reaching 82/3 at the halfway stage of their innings. Shabnim Ismail dismissed Harmanpreet Kaur, Nadine de Klerk removed Jemimah Rodrigues, and Ayabonga Khaka also struck as South Africa dragged the innings back across the final 10 overs.
Charani shifts the pressure after India are restricted
The match turned again when Charani entered the attack. Wolvaardt had briefly threatened to give South Africa a fast start, striking two fours and a six, but India’s control with the new ball created the chance for Charani to land the decisive early blows.
According to the ICC’s live match update from Old Trafford, Charani’s double strike ended the powerplay with India firmly ahead in a fixture carrying major semi-final implications.
The wickets also gave India a strong response after being held below the kind of total their start had promised. With Harmanpreet making her 200th T20I appearance, the story had begun as a milestone day; by the end of the powerplay, Charani had made it a bowling story.
