In the Women’s T20 series opener against South Africa in Durban, India struggled to build momentum, finishing with 157 runs for seven wickets. Shafali Verma set the tone with a quick 34 runs off 20 balls, hitting five fours and a six. However, the fall of two wickets during the powerplay slowed India's scoring. A middle-order partnership of 71 runs between Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored 47 not out off 33 balls, and Jemimah Rodrigues, who added 36 runs off 29 balls, helped stabilize the innings. Despite their efforts, India faltered in the final overs, scoring only 33 runs in the last 30 balls and losing three wickets. The South African bowlers, particularly Ayabonga Khaka and Tumi Sekhukhune, made timely breakthroughs to restrict India’s total. Additionally, Kashvee Gautam made her T20 debut, marking a new chapter in her cricket career.