In a nail-biting showdown at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday, June 19, the India women’s cricket team secured a thrilling 4-run victory in the second ODI against South Africa, thereby clinching the series. The match was a grand showcase of batting prowess, with centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur propelling India to a formidable total of 325. Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar then rose to the occasion with crucial double strikes that curtailed South Africa’s chase at 321, sealing the intense game.
As the match unfolded, it quickly became one of the most riveting contests in 50-over cricket history. The game stood out for the record four centuries scored, two from each side. South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt led her team valiantly with an unbeaten 135, but fell short of delivering the final blow needed to clinch victory on the last ball of the game.
Marizanne Kapp was another standout performer for the Proteas, playing a dazzling innings of 114 off only 94 balls. Together with Wolvaardt, Kapp put on a spectacular 184-run partnership for the fourth wicket after South Africa was reduced to 67 for 3. Their partnership brought the visitors agonizingly close to chasing down what could have been a record target in women’s ODI cricket.
In the last tense over, Pooja Vastrakar took center stage, displaying nerves of steel. She claimed the wickets of Nadine de Klerk and Nondumiso Shangase on consecutive deliveries, and expertly prevented Wolvaardt from landing a definitive big shot on the final delivery, thereby preserving India’s slender lead.
Earlier in the day, India faced a pivotal decision at the toss, opting to bat first under overcast conditions. Pacer Arundhati Reddy made her ODI debut, adding to the excitement. However, young opener Shafali Verma’s troubles continued with another low score. Despite early jitters, it was the distinguished partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur that turned the tide for India.
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Smriti Mandhana was in sublime form, compiling her highest ODI score of 136 from merely 120 balls. In doing so, she equaled Mithali Raj’s record of seven centuries in ODIs for India. Mandhana’s aggressive yet elegant innings set the stage, while Harmanpreet Kaur blazed her way to the fastest century by an Indian woman in ODIs, reaching the milestone in just 87 balls, and ending her innings unbeaten on 103. Their combined efforts catapulted India to their third-highest ODI total and their highest ever on home soil.
The South African team, while heartbroken, demonstrated resilience and skill on the field. Captain Laura Wolvaardt’s supreme unbeaten 135 combined with Kapp’s aggressive 114 added immense pressure on the Indian bowlers. Despite losing early wickets, the visitors showcased their batting depth and nearly touched the victory line.
For the Indian bowling lineup, Deepti Sharma and Vastrakar’s performance was instrumental. Deepti initially sparked the breakthrough while Pooja Vastrakar delivered a breathtaking final over that swayed the match in India’s favor. The thrilling end to the match was punctuated by Vastrakar’s astute deliveries that sealed India’s triumph.
The Indian playing XI featured a mix of seasoned and young talents: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Dayalan Hemalatha, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, and Asha Sobhana. Meanwhile, the South African side showcased their own formidable lineup: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, Nondumiso Shangase, Mieke de Ridder (wk), Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba, and Ayabonga Khaka.
The match not only highlighted the raw talent and mettle of these two impressive teams but also emphasized the rising standards and competitive spirit in women’s cricket. Both teams now look ahead to future encounters, with India holding the momentum after such a thrilling and morale-boosting victory. As fans eagerly anticipate more action, the sport of women’s cricket continues to captivate hearts and minds around the world.
