In a historic and nail-biting encounter at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the India Women’s cricket team secured a thrilling 4-run victory over South Africa Women, clinching the ODI series with a 2-0 lead. The match, which saw an extraordinary display of batting prowess, ended in a last-ball thriller that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Smriti Mandhana’s Record-Breaking Performance
Smriti Mandhana was the star of the day, scripting history by becoming the first Indian woman to score consecutive ODI centuries. Mandhana’s exceptional knock of 128 runs off 122 balls included 14 fours and 3 sixes, setting a solid foundation for India’s imposing total of 325/3. This feat also saw her matching the legendary Mithali Raj’s record of seven ODI centuries for India.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s Captaincy and Ton
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur also rose to the occasion, scoring a magnificent 109 off 93 balls. Her innings, filled with powerful strokes and strategic gameplay, complemented Mandhana’s efforts. The duo’s 189-run partnership for the second wicket was pivotal in propelling India to a formidable score.
South Africa’s Valiant Chase
In response, South Africa put up a valiant chase, with Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp leading the charge. Wolvaardt scored a gritty 92, while Kapp contributed a quickfire 81. Despite their efforts and a commendable lower-order resistance, South Africa fell short by just 4 runs, ending their innings at 321/8.
Mandhana’s Bowling Debut
Adding to the excitement, Mandhana made her debut with the ball in international cricket. Her bowling action, reminiscent of Virat Kohli’s, captivated fans, and she managed to pick up her maiden ODI wicket, adding another memorable moment to her illustrious day.
Series Highlights
- Mandhana’s Consecutive Centuries: Smriti Mandhana became the first Indian woman to score consecutive centuries in ODIs.
- Harmanpreet Kaur’s Leadership: The captain’s innings and strategic decisions were crucial in securing the series victory.
- High-Scoring Thriller: The match saw a combined total of 646 runs, making it one of the highest-scoring encounters in women’s ODI history.
- Close Finish: The game went down to the wire, with India managing to hold their nerve in the final over.
Social Media Buzz
The thrilling match and individual performances led to a flurry of activity on social media. Cricket fans and celebrities alike took to platforms like Twitter (now X) to celebrate and commend the Indian women’s team. Posts from popular cricket franchises such as Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru highlighted key moments and records.
Looking Ahead
With the series win in the bag, India will look to continue their dominance in the final ODI. The team’s impressive performance has set a high standard and boosted their confidence for upcoming international fixtures.
