In the opening match of the three-game Women’s ODI series, India clinched a remarkable victory against South Africa on Sunday by the commanding margin of 143 runs at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday (June16).
Smriti Mandhana’s masterclass propels India to commanding score
India Women’s innings against South Africa Women was characterized by a standout performance from Smriti Mandhana, whose elegant century laid the foundation for a formidable total. After losing the early wicket of Shafali Verma (7), Mandhana anchored the innings with a composed 117 off 127 deliveries. Her innings included 12 boundaries and a six, showcasing her ability to control the game. Despite early setbacks, including the quick departures of Dayalan Hemalatha (12) and Harmanpreet Kaur (10), Mandhana held firm, forming crucial partnerships with Jemimah Rodrigues (17) and Deepti Sharma (37).
India’s middle order bolstered the innings further with valuable contributions from Richa Ghosh (3) and a brisk unbeaten knock by Pooja Vastrakar (31*), ensuring a competitive total of 265/8 in their allotted 50 overs. The South African bowling attack, led by Ayabonga Khaka‘s disciplined spell (3/47), managed to pick up regular wickets but struggled to contain Mandhana’s dominance and India’s determined batting lineup.
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South Africa’s stumble in response: Asha Sobhana’s brilliance
Chasing 266 for victory, South Africa Women faced an uphill task from the start as Renuka Singh struck in the first over to dismiss Laura Wolvaardt (4) Tazmin Brits (18) and Anneke Bosch (5) followed soon after, leaving South Africa reeling at 33/3. Sune Luus (33) and Marizanne Kapp (24) attempted to stabilize the innings, but the Indian bowlers maintained consistent pressure.
The turning point came with the introduction of Asha Sobhana, whose spin wizardry wreaked havoc on the South African batting lineup. Sobhana’s spell of 4/21 in 8.4 overs dismantled the middle order, claiming key wickets including Kapp and Luus. Radha Yadav (1/32) and Deepti (2/10) provided crucial support, ensuring South Africa never regained momentum. The innings folded for 122 in 37.4 overs, well short of the target.
Here’s how X reacted:
A historic feat for Captain Smriti ❤️
Only the second Indian woman to cross 7000 International runs! Congratulations, Skip! 👏#PlayBold #TeamIndia #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/2mcNp3U0A7
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) June 16, 2024
Elsewhere, Asha completes a big win for India over South Africa in the first ODI. Well set up by Smriti.
A good game for India! 🇮🇳
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) June 16, 2024
Domination from #TeamIndia‘s RCB players.
Smriti Mandhana with a century
Asha Sobhana Joy with a four-fer
Crowd very very happy to back their home players
A good day to be a cricket fan #INDvSA
— Lavanya 🎙️🎥👩🏻💻 (@lav_narayanan) June 16, 2024
Smriti Mandhana was injured and was struggling to run during the batting but she fought and scored a masterclass hundred when India was 99/5 against South Africa. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/zY9sg0IXTe
— Suhana (@suhana18_) June 16, 2024
What a day for RCB girls at their home ground.
Century for RCB captain Smriti
4-fer for Asha
👏👏#INDvSA
— Krithika (@krithika0808) June 16, 2024
Wow the turn on that! Fewer sights that please a leg-spinner more. Fantastic debut for Asha! #INDvSA
— Soorya Sesha (@sooryasesha7) June 16, 2024
Someone had tweeted SA are chasing it down in 40-45 overs. 😂😂😂😂😂😂 #INDvSA
— Kartik O 🏏⚽🔗 (@KOCricket528) June 16, 2024
Sensational Hundred By Smriti Mandhana!! 💙🙌
CONGRATULATIONS
High Quality Innings By Her, When Wickets Were Falling From The Other End. She Made A Strong Partnership With Deepti Sharma & Took India To A Very Good Total.#SmritiMandhana #INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/AvZOoRUqM1
— ARVIND SINGH RAJPUROHIT (@avrajpurohit108) June 16, 2024
6th ODI century for Smriti Mandhana!!!
What a fantastic knock!!#INDWvSAW
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) June 16, 2024
A special first ODI 💯 in India 💙
Lucky to live in the era of Smriti Mandhana 🤌#AaliRe #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/ATUqiIObjy
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) June 16, 2024
💯 for Smriti Mandhana 👏 #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/ac6ENWMGPX
— Junjesh Legha (@Jatjunjeshlegha) June 16, 2024
💯 for Smriti Mandhana 👏 #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/ac6ENWMGPX
— Junjesh Legha (@Jatjunjeshlegha) June 16, 2024
Smriti Mandhana now has the highest ODI score by an Indian woman at home, surpassing Mithali Raj’s 109* against West Indies from 2009. 11 visiting batters have achieved a higher score in India. #INDvSA
— Lalith Kalidas (@lal__kal) June 16, 2024
Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana scored a superb ton to set up #TeamIndia‘s win & bagged the Player of the Match award in the 1⃣st #INDvSA ODI 👏 👏
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/EbYe44lVao@mandhana_smriti | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/7p5lL7MQMy
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) June 16, 2024
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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