Mithali fifty helps India beat SA

Potchefstroom: Opener Mithali Raj held the innings together with an unbeaten half- century as Indian women notched up a comfortable seven- wicket victory over South Africa in the first T20 International here on Tuesday. Mithali ( 54) shared two crucial stands — a 69- run partnership for the third wicket with debutant Jemimah Rodrigues ( 37) and then added 52 runs with Veda Krishnamurthy ( 37 not out) for the unbroken fourth wicket — as India chased down a target of 165 with seven balls to spare. India led the fivematch T20 International series 1- 0. Mithali's knock, her 11th T20 International half century, came from 48 deliveries and she hit six fours, one six and carried her bat through the innings. India finished at 168 for three in 18.5 overs. The 17- year- old Mumbai player Rodrigues also batted impressively, hitting four boundaries and a six during her 27- ball knock. After Rodrigues was out in the 14th over, Krishnamurthy did not allow the momentum to slow down, as she hit three three sixes in her 22- ball innings.

Scores: South Africa 164/ 4 in 20 overs ( Dane van Niekerk 38, Chloe Tryon 32*, Anuja Patil 2/ 23) lost to India 168/ 3 in 18.5 overs ( Mithali Raj 54*, Jemimah Rodrigues 37, Veda Krishnamurthy 37*, Dane van Niekerk 1/ 23).