Deepti’s maiden T20I five-for downs South Africa

Divya Delhi:India all-rounder Deepti Sharma starred with a sensational all-round performance to guide India to a 14-run victory over South Africa in the fourth T20I, keeping the series alive at 3-1. Defending 185 for 5, India restricted the hosts to 171 for 9, with Deepti claiming a career-best 5 for 19—her maiden five-wicket haul in T20 Internationals.Earlier, Deepti played a crucial role with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 36 off 26 balls. She stitched a vital 65-run partnership with Richa Ghosh (34*) to lift India to a competitive total. Jemimah Rodrigues contributed 43, while South Africa’s Kayla Reyneke picked up 2 for 10.In response, South Africa faltered despite Sune Luus top-scoring with 40 and Tazmin Brits adding 30. Their chase lacked momentum, with no partnerships exceeding 44 runs.Deepti turned the game with the ball, removing Luus to trigger a collapse. She then dismissed Annerie Dercksen, Reyneke, Ayabonga Khaka, and Tumi Sekhukhune to seal the win.India, however, face injury concerns with Kranti Gaud hurting her ankle, adding to the absence of Amanjot Kaur and Arundhati Reddy.The final match now offers India a chance to narrow the series margin.