A dominant century from Laura Wolvaardt guided South Africa to a commanding victory over India in the third T20I in Johannesburg, sealing an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, entered the contest in a must-win situation after falling 2-0 behind in Durban. Both sides made changes ahead of the fixture at the Wanderers on April 22, 2026.
Team Changes and India’s Strong Start
South Africa brought in Kayla Reyneke in place of Anneke Bosch, while Ayanda Hlubi replaced Ayabonga Khaka. India made three adjustments, with Bharti Fulmali, Kashvee Gautam, and Renuka Singh coming into the XI.
After winning the toss, Wolvaardt opted to bowl first. India’s openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana provided a strong platform, negotiating the powerplay for the first time in the series while scoring at over eight runs per over.
The opening stand reached 68 before Nonkululeko Mlaba dismissed Mandhana for 37. Mlaba struck again on the next ball to remove Jemimah Rodrigues for a golden duck, leaving India at 68/2.
Middle-Order Stability and Late Surge
Shafali Verma and Harmanpreet Kaur then combined for a 73-run third-wicket partnership, the highest for India against South Africa in South Africa in T20Is. Verma scored 64 before being dismissed by Nadine de Klerk in the 16th over.
Harmanpreet continued the momentum alongside Richa Ghosh, adding 50 runs for the fourth wicket to finish strongly. India posted 192/4, their highest T20I total against South Africa, with Harmanpreet scoring 66 before being run out on the final ball.
Mlaba (2/31) and Nadine de Klerk (1/27) were the key contributors with the ball for the hosts.
Record Opening Stand Seals Chase
In response, Wolvaardt and Sune Luus produced a dominant display at the top of the order. The pair attacked from the outset, scoring at a rapid rate during the powerplay and maintaining the momentum throughout.
Their opening partnership surged to 183, the highest for South Africa against India in T20Is, putting the result beyond doubt.
Wolvaardt led the charge with a superb 115 off 53 balls, equalling her career-best score in the format. She was eventually dismissed by Shreyanka Patil, but the outcome was already secured.
Luus remained unbeaten on 64 off 42 deliveries, registering her second consecutive half-century of the series as South Africa completed the chase with nine wickets in hand and 21 balls to spare.
Series Secured
India managed just one wicket in the innings, with Shreyanka Patil finishing with 1/30. Wolvaardt was named Player of the Match for her decisive century.
The victory gives South Africa a 3-0 lead in the series, sealing it with two matches still to play.
