India Women secured an impressive victory against South Africa in the second One Day International (ODI) on Wednesday, June 19, winning by a narrow margin of four runs to clinch the three-match series. The match, held in Bengaluru, will be remembered as one of the most thrilling and historic encounters in women’s cricket.
After India had produced a disheartening performance in the opening game, South Africa bounced back vigorously in the second ODI. They put up a commendable fight and came tantalizingly close to creating history by chasing down a 326-run target. However, Pooja Vastrakar’s stellar performance in the final over deprived South Africa of what would have been a monumental win.
Despite the close defeat, both teams accomplished remarkable feats that will be etched in cricketing history. For India, the dynamic duo, Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur, showcased a batting masterclass. Mandhana scored an exceptional 136 runs, while Kaur remained unbeaten at 103*, leading India to their highest ever ODI total at home. The Indian side amassed 326 runs, surpassing their previous highest, showcasing their formidable batting prowess.
South Africa, undeterred by the challenging target, put forth an impressive response. Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp, two of their premier players, each contributed with splendid centuries. Wolvaardt’s fluid 121 and Kapp’s resilient 111 kept South Africa within striking distance of the target, making the contest an edge-of-the-seat thriller. The achievement of having four centuries in a Women’s ODI marked the first time in the history of the sport that such a feat had been accomplished.
The previous record for most centuries in a single Women’s ODI game was three, a milestone achieved during a match between England and South Africa Women in June 2018. During that game, Tammy Beaumont, Sarah Taylor, and Lizelle Lee all scored centuries.
. In the broader context of international cricket, this milestone has only been replicated three times in Men’s ODIs. Instances include Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in the 2023-24 season, India vs Australia in the 2013-14 season, and Pakistan vs Australia in the 1998-99 season, emphasizing the rarity and significance of this achievement.
The Bengaluru match was not only about centuries; it was a statistical bonanza breaking multiple records. A total of 15 sixes were hit during the game, eight by Indian batswomen and seven by South Africans. The eight sixes hit by India in an innings also set a new benchmark for the Indian women’s team in ODIs.
The aggregate score of the match stood at a staggering 646 runs, making it the second-highest cumulative score in a Women’s ODI game. The highest aggregate remains 678 runs, scored in the 2017 World Cup match between England and South Africa Women.
Reflecting on related incidents and achievements, it’s interesting to note the progressively enthralling performances in women’s cricket. In T20 World Cup 2024, South Africa demonstrated their growing prominence by securing an emphatic victory against the USA, launching the Super 8 round on a high note. In the men’s circuit, Indian coach Rahul Dravid hinted at critical bowling strategy changes ahead of an Afghanistan game, emphasizing the continual evolution in cricket strategies. Australia’s Mitchell Marsh made headlines by confirming his availability to bowl as his team prepared for their first Super Eight match against Bangladesh, further showcasing the global vigor in cricket tournaments.
Returning to the historic Bengaluru match, the close competition displayed by South African Women, despite their loss, underscored their resilience and competitive spirit. The record-setting encounter will inspire the upcoming generations of female cricketers, proving that women’s cricket is reaching new heights of excitement and excellence.
Ultimately, this match highlighted the growing depth and skill in women’s cricket, ensuring that the sport will continue to garner the attention and admiration it rightfully deserves. The epic showdown in Bengaluru was not just a cricket match; it was a celebration of talent, determination, and the indomitable spirit of sportsmanship.
