In the first T20I of the series against South Africa, India managed to score 157 runs, which was deemed insufficient by Jemimah Rodrigues, who stated that the team was 15-20 runs short of a competitive total. Despite a strong start from Shafali Verma, who scored 34 runs off 20 balls, India lost momentum after losing two quick wickets. Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur formed a significant partnership of 71 runs, but India's lower order failed to capitalize on the foundation laid. Rodrigues, who was dismissed in the 15th over, expressed disappointment at her timing of the wicket and emphasized the need for better execution in future matches. With the T20 World Cup approaching, Rodrigues highlighted the importance of gaining experience in these matches, as India has struggled against top teams, recording a 10-4 win-loss record in the last year. The team aims to improve their performance in the upcoming matches to better prepare for the World Cup scheduled for June-July in England and Wales.