Smriti Mandhana seems to be in a golden phase where everything she touches becomes a hit. The Indian vice-captain recently decided to try bowling at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, a familiar ground where she often plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Mandhana’s remarkable contribution this year helped RCB secure the WPL title. This is an incredible accomplishment for a squad that has historically failed to meet the high expectations of their IPL competitors.
Smriti Mandhana seldom bowls for the India Women, but she was spotted bowling in the nets before to the start of the series. The Indian team is spoilt for choice with the ball, as they have lots of alternatives in their ranks, and with Smriti Mandhana pitching in with a few valuable overs or wickets, the Amol Majumdar-coached side will be delighted with the diversity they have on their hands.
Continuing his brilliant form, Mandhana hit two centuries against South Africa at this very stadium and on Wednesday he achieved another milestone by collecting his first cap.
Harmanpreet Kaur, who earlier scored a superb century, opted to let Mandhana play just before the 15th over of South Africa’s innings. Mandhana immediately justified her decision and took the wicket of Sune Luus, who was caught by Richa Ghosh after 12 runs from 13 balls.
Explosive centuries by Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur took India Women to 325/3 in the second ODI against South Africa at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday. After winning the toss, South Africa sent India in to bat first.
The Indian batting line-up produced a strong performance, scoring only 28 runs in the first power play of the match. Smriti Mandhana (136 runs from 120 balls, 18 fours and 2 sixes) and Shafali Verma (20 runs from 38 balls, 3 fours) opened India.
Nonkululeko Mlaba removed Verma in the twelfth over. Dayalan Hemalatha (24 runs from 41 balls, 1 four, 2 sixes) replaced Verma at the crease and aimed to create a partnership with Mandhana. But he didn’t last long as Masabata Klaas headed home in the 23rd.
Harmanpreet Kaur (103* runs from 88 balls, 9 fours and 3 sixes) replaced Hemalatha and played a powerful knock. He forged a strong partnership with Mandhana and added some crucial runs to the scoreboard.
The Proteas women struggled to get rid of the two Indian batsmen and conceded many runs. Nonkululeko Mlaba scored the winning goal in the 46th minute to save his squad, but it was too late.
Harmanpreet and Richa Ghosh (25* runs from 13 balls, 3 from 4, 1 from 6) helped India to a record score of 325/3 after 50 overs. Mlaba picked two wickets and scored 51 runs in his 10-over game. South Africa needs 326 runs to win the match.
After losing the series opener at the same site, South Africa will need to win this game to go to the decider. Chasing 326 will be a difficult assignment against a formidable Indian bowling attack.
