An outstanding all-round performance from Deepti Sharma powered India to a 14-run victory over South Africa women’s national cricket team in the fourth T20I in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Despite the win, India trail 1-3 in the five-match series, with the hosts having already secured the series. Deepti marked her return to form with an unbeaten 36 off 26 balls and followed it up with a five-wicket haul to seal the result.

After being put in to bat, India lost early wickets but recovered through a steady partnership between Jemimah Rodrigues and captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Rodrigues top-scored with 43 off 29 deliveries, while Harmanpreet contributed 22, helping India cross the 100-run mark.

A middle-order wobble saw India slip to 120/5, but Deepti and Richa Ghosh provided a late surge. The pair stitched together a 65-run unbeaten stand, with Richa scoring a quick 34 off 18 balls, taking India to a competitive 185/5 in 20 overs.

In response, South Africa started steadily, led by Sune Luus, who made 40. However, regular breakthroughs halted their momentum. Deepti triggered a collapse in the middle overs, reducing the hosts from 76/2 to 135/6.

Deepti’s five-wicket haul seals comeback

The Indian spinners maintained control in the latter stages as South Africa finished at 171/9. Deepti was the standout performer with figures of 5/19, while Kranti Gaud, Kashvee Gautam, Shree Charani and Shafali Varma picked up a wicket each.

The result gives India a morale-boosting win ahead of the final match, even as South Africa retain an unassailable lead in the series.