The ongoing series between the Indian and South African women’s cricket teams has been a thriller. The second ODI took place at Bengaluru’s M.Chinnaswamy stadium, where the Indian women’s cricket team secured their second win of the series, taking a convincing lead of 2-0 in the three-match series.
Smriti Mandhana smashed two consecutive centuries, proving that she is in spectacular form.
Despite centuries from the South African Skipper and all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, they were not able to cross the line.
India’s brilliance
The toss was won by South Africa, who opted to bowl. India posted 325/3 on the board in their 50 overs. The start of the innings from the women in blue was slow, but Shafali Verma set the tone until she departed. Smriti Mandhana then took on the South African bowlers, showcasing her class with a splendid 136 off 120 balls, including 15 fours and 3 maximums.
Harmanpreet Kaur joined Mandhana at the crease, and together they accelerated the run rate, scoring some much-needed runs. The two batters scored 171 runs between them. Kaur then played a captain’s knock, scoring her 6th ODI century with a stellar 103 off just 87 deliveries. Richa Gosh came and slashed 25 off 13 deliveries, further contributing to the total.
The Indian bowlers did the job well, Pooja Vastrakar leading the attack with 2/54, Deepti Sharma with 2/56, and Smriti Madhana with 1/13. However, it was Pooja Vastrakar who stole the show in the end, keeping her cool in the final over to take two important wickets.
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South Africa
South Africa faced difficulties in chasing the target of 326. They were 67/3 at one point. However, skipper Laura Wolvaardt and all-rounder Marizanne Kapp fought back. Both batters ended up scoring centuries, keeping the hopes high and chasing the big total. Marizanne scored 114 off 94 delivered while Laura scored a run-a-ball century.
Conclusion
India women have portrayed their all-around excellence with two consecutive wins.
Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur’s centuries signify the stellar form the batters are in while Pooja Vastrakar’s final over highlighted the team’s composure under pressure.
On the contrary, South Africa still has a chance to avoid the whitewash. They should focus on the upcoming match and aim for a comeback victory.
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