Smriti-Harmanpreet Centuries secure 2-0 lead for India against South Africa

By: WE Staff | Thursday, 20 June 2024

India Women secured a 2-0 lead in the series against South Africa in a thrilling 2nd ODI match in M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur played pivotal roles in India's impressive performance, with Smriti scoring her second consecutive century with 136 runs and Indian skipper Harmanpreet scoring an unbeaten century. Despite South Africa's centuries, India held their nerves to win by four runs. marking the first such series lead in 51 years.

South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first. India smashed a total of 325/3 in 50 overs. South Africa's efforts were overshadowed by India's dominance. India started cautiously, with openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana facing tight bowling from Ayabonga Khaka and Masabata Klaas. Shafali broke the shackles with her aggressive strokes, while Smriti reached her second consecutive century, scoring 136 off 120 balls along with 15 fours and 3 sixes.

Harmanpreet Kaur smashed significant runs in the middle order. She scored her 6th ODI century off 87 balls, accelerating the scoring rate with a flurry of boundaries. Harmanpreet remained unbeaten on 103, with 10 fours and 2 sixes. Richa Ghosh grabbed 25* off 13 balls in the finishing overs that include a six and 2 fours. Meanwhile, South Africa's innings faced early hurdles, and Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp's resilience kept them in the game. Laura remained unbeaten on 134 runs whereas Marizanne smashed 114 off 94 balls. Indian bowler Pooja Vastrakar put immense pressure in the final over grabbing crucial wickets that brought the match in India's favor.