Smriti Mandhana-led India's women cricket team eked out a stunning four-run win over South Africa in a high scoring thriller in their second ODI on Wednesday, June 19 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. With this India clinched the three-match series 2-0 with a match to spare.
Batting first Smriti Mandhana (136 off 120) and Harmanpreet Kaur's (103 off 88) centurion knocks powered India to a colossal total of 325/3. In reply, South Africa's chase of India's mammoth 325 runs was a historic attempt, potentially setting a new record for the highest successful chase in Women's ODI history. South Africa staged a remarkable fightback as Laura Wolvaardt (135 off 135) and Marizanne Kapp (114 off 94) too shone with brilliant centuries but couldn't save their side from succumbing to a four-run defeat.
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Wolvaardt, Kapp's bravado centuries in vain
The Proteas chase looked promising at times, with Wolvaardt receiving good support from Marizanne Kapp (114 runs). At one point, with just 12 balls remaining and needing 23 runs for victory, the South Africans seemed poised to pull off the upset.
However, India's bowling attack stepped up in the closing stages. Debutant Arundati Reddy restricted the scoring in the 49th over, leaving South Africa needing 11 runs from the final six deliveries. Young fast bowler Pooja Vastrakar displayed remarkable composure under pressure, dismissing both Nadine de Klerk and Nondumiso Shangase in quick succession in the final over. Despite a desperate swing from Wolvaardt on the last ball, she could only manage a single, sealing India's thrilling victory. The win sparked jubilation from the Indian camp, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur visibly ecstatic and coach Amol Mazumdar expressing his delight with a rare show of celebration.
Harmanpreet, Mandhana's towering tons power India to big total
Earlier, India put on a dominant batting display against South Africa in the second ODI, racking up a massive total of 325 for 3 wickets. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma faced early challenges on a bouncy pitch under overcast conditions. South African captain Laura Wolvaardt's decision to bowl first seemed justified initially, as new-ball bowlers Khaka and Klaas found movement and restricted runs.
However, the tide turned with the arrival of Smriti Mandhana, who displayed her characteristic elegance. She overcame a dropped catch at 69 and reached her seventh ODI century in 120 balls, smashing 18 fours and 2 sixes. Her partnership with Dayalan Hemalatha (24) provided a solid foundation, but it was the partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur that truly stole the show. Harmanpreet, dropped at 41, unleashed her aggressive batting style, scoring a belligerent century (103 not out) off just 88 balls with 9 fours and 3 sixes. Together, Mandhana and Kaur plundered 171 runs for the third wicket, completely dominating the Proteas bowling attack. India capitalized on some sloppy bowling and fielding in the final overs, adding a massive 118 runs to their total. With both openers scoring centuries and a strong partnership in the middle order, India set a formidable target for South Africa to chase.
India and South Africa will next meet each other in the third ODI on June 23.
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