South Africa beat India by 6 runs via D/L method

For India, veteran pacer Julan Goswami (2/2O) was the pick of the bowlers while Rajeshwari Gayakwad (1/39) and Deepti Sharma (1/39) picked a wicket each.

Lucknow: The Indian women's team suffered a six-run loss to South Africa via the Duckworth/Lewis method in the third ODI here on Friday.

Put in to bat, Punam Raut starred for the home team with a 108-ball 77, which was studded with 11 boundaries. India scored 248 for five in the allotted 50 overs.

In reply, Lee struck a 131-ball unbeaten 132 before rain stopped play in the 47th over with South Africa 223 for 4, six runs ahead on the D/L par score.

For India, veteran pacer Julan Goswami (2/2O) was the pick of the bowlers while Rajeshwari Gayakwad (1/39) and Deepti Sharma (1/39) picked a wicket each.

This is India's highest ever first innings total in a home ODI that has resulted in a defeat.

India now trail the five-match series 1-2.

The two teams will next meet on Sunday in the fourth ODI.

Brief Scores:

India women: 248 for 5 in 50 overs (Punam Raut 77, Deepti Sharma 36 not out Mithali Raj 36, Harmanpreet Kaur 36; Shabnim Ismail 2/46)

South Africa women:223 for 4 in 46.3 overs (Lizelle Lee 132 not out ; Mignon du Preez 37; Julan Goswami