Mithali Raj played a lone hand with an unbeaten 79 besides leading the side well, but lack of support from other players led to India losing the five-match ODI series against South Africa 1-4, a telling blow to their preparation for the ICC World Cup.

To India’s misfortune, their star player Harmanpreet Kaur (30 retired hurt) got injured, leaving India high and dry. Mithali batted till the end to help India post 188 after being put in. South Africa chased down the target comprehensively, registering a five-wicket win.