Simone Lourens’ half-century was not enough as South Africa suffered a seven-wicket defeat against India in their opening match of the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup at Willowmoore Park in Benoni yesterday.

Lourens hit nine fours and a six in her 61 off 44 balls, before being run out in the 17th over.

She and Elandri Janse van Rensburg (23 off 13) put on 56 for the first wicket in four overs, and Madison Landsman scored 36 off 22 as the hosts posted 166-5.

It wouldn’t be enough, though, as openers Shweta Sehrawat (92* off 57 deliveries) and captain Shafali Verma (45 off 16) set up a comfortable run chase for India, who reached their target with 21 balls to spare.

The South Africans face Scotland in their next match which will be played at 13:45 tomorrow.