India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is making headlines for her phenomenal performance in the ongoing ODI series against South Africa. Known for her batting prowess, Mandhana has now added another feather to her cap by taking her first international wicket. The ongoing series has been a milestone for the Indian star, reinforcing her reputation as one of the best in women’s cricket.
Mandhana’s stellar run began with a sensational century in the series opener. Not only did she achieve the milestone, but she went on to score yet another century in the subsequent game. With this feat, she became the first Indian cricketer in the history of women’s cricket to score centuries in consecutive ODI innings, equaling Mithali Raj’s impressive record.
In an unexpected turn of events, Mandhana was handed the ball for the first time in her international career by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur during the 15th over of the innings. The Indian team was already in a dominating position, and the crowd at Chinnaswamy Stadium erupted in excitement seeing Mandhana take up the ball. To the delight of fans and teammates alike, she struck on her very second ball, dismissing South African batter Sune Luus.
The delivery was a notable one, bowled outside the off stump and moving away from the batter. Luus attempted a cut shot but could only manage an edge, which was safely caught by wicket-keeper Richa Ghosh. The crowd went wild, and so did Mandhana, who immediately went on a celebratory spree. The excitement among the Indian players was palpable, as they rallied around their vice-captain to celebrate this unexpected yet delightful achievement.
Here’s the video of the momentous wicket:
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This is just one highlight in what has already been a record-breaking series for the Indian team. In the current match, India put up an imposing total of 325 runs on the board after losing the toss. Mandhana herself scored her highest individual score in ODI cricket, a remarkable 136 runs.
. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur complemented Mandhana’s effort with a century of her own, reaching 100 runs off just 87 deliveries.
The duo’s 171-run partnership was instrumental in rescuing India from a relatively sluggish start, ensuring that the team reached a commendable total. The 325-run total is also the highest ever posted by India at home in an ODI, breaking multiple records in the process.
Moreover, Mandhana’s back-to-back centuries in the ODI series have further cemented her place in the annals of Indian cricket history. For any cricketer, scoring consecutive centuries in matches is an extraordinary achievement, making it a rare and noteworthy accomplishment.
As the series progresses, the focus now shifts to South Africa’s response. Having lost the series opener at the same venue, South Africa faces a do-or-die situation. They have to chase down a colossal target of 326 runs to keep the series alive and push it to a decider. However, going up against a robust Indian bowling attack that is brimming with confidence won’t be an easy task for the visitors.
In this scenario, all eyes will be on Smriti Mandhana, who has already contributed significantly with both bat and ball. Her all-around performance has set a high standard for her teammates and serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers.
Mandhana’s incredible journey from being a top-order batter to a wicket-taking bowler is a testament to her versatility and determination. As the game of cricket continues to evolve, players like her showcase the changing dynamics and exciting potential of women’s cricket.
The ongoing ODI series between India and South Africa has indeed been a thrilling affair, offering several memorable moments and setting new benchmarks. With actions like this, the future of women’s cricket looks brighter than ever, promising more excitement, records, and incredible performances. Stay tuned as the series continues to unfold with even more drama and intense action.
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