IND v SA: Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur hit centuries to take India to 325/3
Smriti Mandhana‘s seventh one-day century, her second in as many games, and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s belligerent century propelled India to a threatening 325 for three against South Africa in the second women’s ODI here on Wednesday.
Mandhana (136) and Harmanpreet (103 not out) milked 171 runs for the third wicket and dominated the Proteas bowling after being asked to bat first.
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Smriti equals Mithali Raj’s all-time Indian record for most ODI 100s
India opener Smriti Mandhana made history on Wednesday, June 17, by equaling former captain Mithali Raj’s all-time Indian record for the greatest number of hundreds in women’s ODIs. Smriti scored her seventh ODI century in another stroke-filled effort at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in India’s second game of a three-match series against South Africa.
Smriti Mandhana has now struck back-to-back hundreds, scoring 117 in India’s ODI series opener against South Africa on Sunday, June 16. The flamboyant opener has been on a purple patch, continuing from where she left off in the Women’s Premier League. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain has performed admirably at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where the crowd is backing for the local hero.
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Harmanpreet’s aggressive hundred
Harmanpreet’s arrival transformed the complexion of the innings, as India’s run rate, which had previously been around four, skyrocketed over five and then six runs per over. Harmanpreet, who was dropped on 41 by Klaas off her own bowling, quickly settled into a groove and drew Sune Luus to begin her scoring.
The right-hander’s aggressive intentions developed throughout the innings, as she hammered Klaas with fours and sixes in quick succession.
Harmanpreet joined her deputy with a boundary off Klaas in the final over. India plundered 118 runs in the last 10 overs, feeding on some shoddy bowling and fielding by the visitors.
Mandhana’s magnificent knock
Smriti Mandhana got to her hundred in just 103 balls as she looked in complete control, helping India go past 200 inside the 40th over. Mandhana was kept quiet by the South African bowlers in the first powerplay, but the left-hander found her mojo and dominated the opposition bowlers.
