Smriti Mandhana scripts history with robust ton in 1st ODI vs South Africa, becomes only 2nd Indian woman after Mithali Raj to clock this rare feat

India's star batter Smriti Mandhana made history on Sunday, June 16 during the first ODI against South Africa at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Her fighting century, a testament to her consistent and determined batting, helped her cross a significant milestone – 7,000 international runs across all formats. Known for her graceful strokes and strong technique, Mandhana reached this landmark with a well-constructed 56-run knock. This achievement puts her amongst the elite of Indian women's cricket. She's now the second-highest run scorer for India in international matches, only behind legendary former captain Mithali Raj's impressive tally of 10,868 runs.

Smriti Mandhana's teammate and current Indian captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, isn't far behind either.  Kaur sits at the number three spot for India's all-time leading run scorers with a staggering 6870 runs across formats.

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Mandhana's ton powers India to strong total

Mandhana's robust century and Deepti Sharma's 37-run cameo propelled India to 265/8 against South Africa in their first ODI at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Besided Mandhana's 117-run knock, Deepti smashed 37 off 48 while Pooja Vastrakar chipped in with an unbeaten 31 (42).

India got off to a shaky start in the first ODI. Openers Shafali Verma (7) and Dayalan Hemalatha (12) fell cheaply, leaving India at 19/2. However, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana steadied the ship with a well-paced innings. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur (10) couldn't capitalize on her start, becoming the first major wicket to fall after a promising partnership with Mandhana. Jemimah Rodrigues (18) joined Mandhana in rebuilding the innings, but her stay was short-lived as she was dismissed by Nondumiso Shangase. The dismissal of Richa Ghosh (3) by Ayabonga Khaka further put India in a spot of bother at 99/5.

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Just when things seemed bleak, Deepti Sharma (37) joined Mandhana in a crucial 50-run partnership. This partnership provided much-needed momentum to the Indian innings. Mandhana continued her dominant form, reaching her fifty in just 61 balls and going on to score a magnificent century – her sixth in ODIs and her first on home soil. Unfortunately, Mandhana's dismissal (117) broke the partnership. South Africa continued to chip away at the wickets, with Khaka taking her third wicket of the match by removing Radha Yadav (6). Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, India managed to reach a respectable total of 265/8 thanks to some late contributions from Pooja Vastrakar (31*).

Later, India ended up winning the match by 43 runs to lead the three-match series 1-0. 

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