The Indian women's cricket team got off to a flying start in their three-match ODI series against South Africa, securing a massive 143-run victory at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday, June 16. This win marks India's second-largest victory by runs in ODI history and their biggest on home soil.
Dominant India Crush South Africa Women in First ODI
Electing to bat first, India capitalised on the opportunity thanks to a brilliant century by Smriti Mandhana (117 runs off 127 balls). Her knock powered India to a daunting total of 265/8 in their 50 overs. South Africa's chase crumbled under the pressure of the big target. The Indian bowlers kept things tight, taking wickets at regular intervals and never allowing the visitors to establish a partnership. South Africa's innings folded for a meager 122 runs in just 37.4 overs. Special praise goes to wrist spinner Asha Sobhana, who shone brightly on her ODI debut. She picked up a crucial 4 wickets for just 21 runs in her 8.4 overs, effectively dismantling the South African batting order. This dominant win sets the tone for an exciting series ahead.
India's start in the first ODI wasn't ideal. Openers Shafali Verma (7) and Dayalan Hemalatha (12) fell cheaply within the first four overs, edging deliveries to the South African keeper and mid-off fielder respectively.
The early dismissals were compounded by the loss of captain Harmanpreet Kaur (10) in the 12th over, leaving India in a precarious position at 55/3. However, amidst the top-order struggles, Smriti Mandhana remained composed at the crease. She absorbed the pressure and began adapting to the bowling conditions, laying the foundation for India's eventual strong total.
Mandhana, Deepti Anchors India's Recovery with Crucial Partnership
Despite losing wickets regularly around her, Smriti Mandhana remained a rock at the crease. She found a much-needed partnership with Deepti Sharma (37 runs) in the 21st over, with the duo stitching together a crucial 81 runs off just 92 balls. This stand helped India recover from a precarious 99/5 and propel them past the 180-run mark. While Deepti Sharma eventually fell to Ayabonga Khaka, Mandhana continued her dominant display. She reached her well-deserved fifty off just 61 deliveries and went on to score a magnificent century – her sixth in ODIs and her first on home soil. Her knock of 117 runs (127 balls) included 12 boundaries and a six, and it helped India reach a respectable total of 265/8 by the end of their 50 overs. Notably, this century also saw Mandhana surpass the 7,000-run mark in international cricket.
Spinners Weave a Web, Sobhana Shines on Debut
South Africa's chase began disastrously as they lost captain Laura Wolvaardt in the very first over to Renuka Thakur's sharp bowling. This early setback opened the door for the Indian spinners. Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar stepped up, removing Tazmin Brits and Anneke Bosch respectively.
The crucial breakthrough came from debutant spinner Asha Sobhana. She broke the promising 39-run partnership between Marizanne Kapp and Sune Luus, dismissing Kapp caught by Harmanpreet Kaur at extra cover. With the middle order dismantled, the South African innings quickly fell apart, collapsing to 122 runs all out in just 37.4 overs. Asha Sobhana was the star of the bowling attack, claiming a fantastic 4 wickets for just 21 runs in her first-ever ODI match. This impressive debut performance, coupled with Smriti Mandhana's brilliant century, secured India a convincing victory and a 1-0 lead in the series.
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