India Women vs South Africa Women 5th ODI 2025: In a run-fest at the R. Premadasa Stadium, the Indian Women’s cricket team defeated South Africa Women by 23 runs in the fifth ODI of the seven-match series. Jemimah Rodrigues starred with a breathtaking 123 off 101 balls, anchoring India’s formidable total of 337/9. Despite a spirited chase led by Annerie Dercksen and Chloe Tryon, South Africa Women fell short, ending on 314/7 in their full quota of 50 overs.
Winning the toss, South Africa opted to bowl first, hoping to make early inroads. However, Indian openers laid a solid foundation before Smriti Mandhana contributed a crucial 51 from 63 balls. It was Jemimah Rodrigues who turned the momentum in India’s favor with her fluent and aggressive century, striking boundaries at will and rotating the strike effectively.
Deepti Sharma provided excellent support in the middle order, scoring 93 off 84 balls, narrowly missing her century. The duo added a pivotal partnership that took India well past the 300-mark. Contributions from lower-order batters ensured the pressure stayed on the Proteas bowlers till the final overs.
Among the South African bowlers, Masabata Klaas (2/51), Nadine de Klerk (2/54), and Nonkululeko Mlaba (2/71) shared the wickets but failed to contain the run flow, especially during the middle overs.
In response, South Africa got off to a decent start but lost early wickets trying to keep up with the required rate. Annerie Dercksen led the charge with a composed 81 off 80 deliveries, while Chloe Tryon brought hope into the camp with an explosive 67 off just 43 balls. Miane Smit chipped in with 39, holding one end steady.
However, tight bowling from India, particularly by Amanjot Kaur (3/59) and Deepti Sharma (2/57), ensured the required run rate kept climbing. Pratika Rawal also chipped in with a timely wicket, and India maintained their composure in the death overs to secure the win.
Match Summary:
- India Women: 337/9 (50 overs)
- Jemimah Rodrigues – 123 (101)
- Deepti Sharma – 93 (84)
- Smriti Mandhana – 51 (63)
- Masabata Klaas – 2/51 (8), Nadine de Klerk – 2/54 (9)
- South Africa Women: 314/7 (50 overs)
- Annerie Dercksen – 81 (80)
- Chloe Tryon – 67 (43)
- Miane Smit – 39 (54)
- Amanjot Kaur – 3/59 (9), Deepti Sharma – 2/57 (10)
Result: India Women won by 23 runs
This victory gives India a boost in the series, reflecting their strength in both batting and bowling departments. With two matches remaining, the Women in Blue will look to wrap up the series in dominant fashion, while South Africa will aim for a comeback in the next fixture.
