• India clinched a remarkable 143-run victory over South Africa in the first game of the three-match ODI series.

  • Vice captain Smriti Mandhana was named Player of the Match for her splendid century.

Fans heap praises as Smriti Mandhana, Asha Sobhana shine in India’s thumping win over South Africa in 1st Women’s ODI
Smriti Mandhana and Asha Sobhana

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In the opening match of the three-game Women’s ODI series, India clinched a remarkable victory against South Africa on Sunday by the commanding margin of 143 runs at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday (June16).

Smriti Mandhana’s masterclass propels India to commanding score

India Women’s innings against South Africa Women was characterized by a standout performance from Smriti Mandhana, whose elegant century laid the foundation for a formidable total. After losing the early wicket of Shafali Verma (7), Mandhana anchored the innings with a composed 117 off 127 deliveries. Her innings included 12 boundaries and a six, showcasing her ability to control the game. Despite early setbacks, including the quick departures of Dayalan Hemalatha (12) and Harmanpreet Kaur (10), Mandhana held firm, forming crucial partnerships with Jemimah Rodrigues (17) and Deepti Sharma (37).

India’s middle order bolstered the innings further with valuable contributions from Richa Ghosh (3) and a brisk unbeaten knock by Pooja Vastrakar (31*), ensuring a competitive total of 265/8 in their allotted 50 overs. The South African bowling attack, led by Ayabonga Khaka‘s disciplined spell (3/47), managed to pick up regular wickets but struggled to contain Mandhana’s dominance and India’s determined batting lineup.

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South Africa’s stumble in response: Asha Sobhana’s brilliance

Chasing 266 for victory, South Africa Women faced an uphill task from the start as Renuka Singh struck in the first over to dismiss Laura Wolvaardt (4) Tazmin Brits (18) and Anneke Bosch (5) followed soon after, leaving South Africa reeling at 33/3. Sune Luus (33) and Marizanne Kapp (24) attempted to stabilize the innings, but the Indian bowlers maintained consistent pressure.

The turning point came with the introduction of Asha Sobhana, whose spin wizardry wreaked havoc on the South African batting lineup. Sobhana’s spell of 4/21 in 8.4 overs dismantled the middle order, claiming key wickets including Kapp and Luus. Radha Yadav (1/32) and Deepti  (2/10) provided crucial support, ensuring South Africa never regained momentum. The innings folded for 122 in 37.4 overs, well short of the target.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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AMAR PAL SINGH BHALLA
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