1st ODI
Smriti Mandhana and Asha Sobhana has helped India Women to secure a victory against South Africa Women
India scored 265/8 in 50 overs, where as South Africa scored 122 all out in 37.4 overs.
So, finally India beat South Africa by 143 runs.
In a stellar display at home, Smriti Mandhana crafted her maiden ODI century, setting the stage for India’s dominant performance against South Africa at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday (June 16).
Mandhana’s resilient knock of 117 anchored India’s innings, guiding them to a competitive total of 265/8.
Despite early setbacks, including the loss of Shafali Verma to a well-executed plan by Masabata Klaas, Mandhana stood firm, showcasing her exquisite stroke play, particularly through classic cover drives and on-side shots.
However, it wasn’t without challenges on a pitch with variable bounce, as evidenced by the dismissals of D Hemalatha and Harmanpreet Kaur.
Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh’s quick exits further compounded India’s woes, leaving them at 99/5 after 22 overs.
Yet, amidst South Africa’s disciplined bowling and a slowing run-rate, Mandhana found support in Deepti Sharma, forging a crucial 81-run partnership that steered India out of trouble.
Despite battling cramps, Mandhana persevered, capitalizing on South Africa’s fielding lapses and errant throws.
Even a review from the visitors couldn’t halt her momentum as she neared a century.
Ultimately, Mandhana’s heroics with the bat, combined with a stellar bowling performance led by Asha Sobhana’s spin, secured a convincing 143-run victory for India and valuable ICC Women’s ODI Championship points.
In an unexpected turn of events, Deepti fell victim to a low-keeping delivery from Ayabonga Khaka, edging onto her stumps while attempting a drive.
However, Vastrakar swiftly signaled her intent with a boundary off her first delivery.
Mandhana then edged closer to her century, benefiting from a fielding lapse off Klaas, and confidently sent the pacer sailing over long-on for a six before reaching the milestone for the first time on home turf.
Yet, Klaas had the final say as Mandhana eventually perished in her last over, departing to a standing ovation from the crowd and her teammates alike.
While the vice-captain’s composed 127-ball innings inflicted significant damage, a settled Vastrakar, along with the lower order, propelled the total to a challenging 265.
Against the backdrop of a pitch offering assistance to bowlers of all styles, contrary to the usual conditions at Chinnaswamy, India capitalized on a dream start from their opening bowlers.
Firstly, Renuka Thakur found the gap between bat and pad, dismissing Laura Wolvaardt’s off-stump just four balls into South Africa’s chase.
Simultaneously, Vastrakar struck by inducing an LBW decision against Anneke Bosch, leaving South Africa reeling at 21/2 by the end of the sixth over.
Subsequently, the spin trio tightened their grip on the match.
Despite the tourists’ attempts to rebuild, Tazmin Brits’ unwarranted aggression cost her wicket as she offered a simple catch to point off Deepti Sharma.
With three spinners operating in unison under favorable conditions, even the experienced pair of Marizanne Kapp and Sune Luus struggled to score freely.
Although Kapp briefly countered with aggressive strokes against pace, her innings was short-lived as Asha claimed her maiden ODI wicket.
Annerie Dercksen’s debut innings ended in chaos, dropped by Rodrigues but run-out attempting a quick single on the same delivery.
Luus managed to muster some resistance with well-placed drives through the covers, but Deepti ended her defiance by dismissing her.
Despite Jafta’s brief counter-attack against Harmanpreet’s part-time spin, Asha dismantled the remaining tail with clinical efficiency, registering impressive figures of 4 for 21 on her debut.
This remarkable performance denied South Africa the opportunity to claim two crucial championship points, securing a comprehensive victory for India.
Leave a Reply