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South Africa's hopes of clinching the Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup title were dashed by a dominant Indian side in Kuala Lumpur. The South African team struggled to find their footing, ultimately losing by nine wickets.
Winning the toss, South Africa opted to bat first but faced immediate challenges against India's formidable bowling attack. Opener Simone Lourens was dismissed for a duck by Parunika Sisodia, and the dangerous Jemma Botha fell soon after to Shabnam, leaving South Africa reeling at 20/2.
The pressure continued as Aayushi Sharma took the wicket of Diara Ramlakan, restricting South Africa to 29/3 at the end of the powerplay. A glimmer of hope emerged as captain Kayla Reyneke and Karabo Meso formed a partnership, but their dismissals in quick succession halted any momentum.
Mieke van Voorst and Fay Cowling provided some resistance with a 30-run partnership, the highest of the innings, but they too fell victim to India's relentless bowling. South Africa was eventually bowled out for a meager 82, with Gongadi Trisha taking three wickets and Aayushi Shukla delivering a standout performance of 2/9.
India's chase was clinical, reaching 18/0 in two overs and 36/0 by the fourth.
South Africa's lone success came when Reyneke induced a rash shot from Kamalini G, caught by Lourens. However, Trisha Gongadi (44*) and Sanika Chalke (26*) ensured a comfortable victory for India reaching 84/0 in just 11.2 overs.
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