The Indian women’s cricket team secured a commanding 143-run victory over South Africa in the first ODI match held in Bengaluru on Sunday, June 16. This triumph, powered by stellar performances from Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma, has given India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series on home turf, marking a bright start to the campaign.
Smriti Mandhana, the star opener, ended her two-year international century drought with a scintillating innings, scoring 117 runs off 127 balls. Her century was not just a personal achievement but also a cornerstone for India’s formidable total of 265/8 in their allotted 50 overs. Mandhana’s innings featured 13 boundaries and three sixes, showcasing her ability to dominate the opposition’s bowling attack and providing a solid platform for the Indian batting lineup.
Supporting Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues contributed a valuable 45 runs, while Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian captain, added a brisk 33. Despite a middle-order wobble, the Indian side managed to post a challenging total, thanks in part to Deepti Sharma’s useful contribution of 24 runs lower down the order.
India’s bowling performance was equally impressive. Debutant spinner Asha Sobhana delivered a remarkable performance, claiming four wickets for just 21 runs. Her spell disrupted the South African batting lineup and set the tone for a comprehensive Indian victory. Deepti Sharma further chipped in with an impressive bowling display, taking two wickets for just 10 runs, thereby ensuring that the visitors were bundled out for a meager 122 runs in 37.4 overs.
The Indian bowlers were relentless from the outset. Shafali Verma, who generally shines with the bat, made an early breakthrough by dismissing the South African captain Laura Wolvaardt, placing the visitors on the back foot right from the start. Asha Sobhana’s leg-spin was too much to handle for the Proteas, who struggled to build any substantial partnerships.
South Africa’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure, with none of their batters able to make a significant impact.
. Tazmin Brits was the highest scorer for South Africa with a battling 34, but her efforts were in vain as wickets tumbled at regular intervals. The lack of resistance from the South African middle order was evident, as players like Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp failed to convert starts into meaningful scores.
The victory was particularly special for Asha Sobhana, who made a memorable debut by becoming the match’s highest wicket-taker. Her performance was a testament to India’s depth in the bowling department and the potential of young talent in the team.
With this win, India recorded its second-biggest victory by a margin of runs in ODIs and its biggest win on home soil. The team’s comprehensive performance in both batting and bowling departments was lauded by fans and cricket pundits alike.
The South African team, on the other hand, has a lot to ponder. Their dismal batting performance was a stark contrast to their abilities, and they will need to regroup quickly if they are to challenge India in the remaining two matches of the series. South African captain Laura Wolvaardt acknowledged the need for a stronger batting display and expressed confidence in her team’s ability to bounce back.
The win has set the stage for an exciting series, with India now brimming with confidence and momentum. The performance of key players like Mandhana and Sharma has given the team a boost, and they will be looking to maintain their winning streak.
Indian Women Playing XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Dayalan Hemalatha, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Radha Yadav, Asha Sobhana, Renuka Thakur Singh.
South Africa Women Playing XI: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Annerie Dercksen, Nondumiso Shangase, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka.
As the series progresses, the Indian team will aim to capitalize on their strong start, while South Africa will need to rethink their strategy and make the necessary adjustments. The next match promises to be a gripping contest as both teams vie for supremacy.
Stay tuned for further updates and more thrilling cricket action as the series unfolds.
