India Women clinched a narrow 4-run victory over South Africa Women in a high-scoring second ODI at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday, June 19

South Africa won the toss and elected to field first. Smriti Mandhana, the Indian opener, anchored the innings with a brilliant 136-run knock. Harmanpreet Kaur ably supported her with a well-compiled 103 not out, propelling India to a formidable total of 325 runs for the loss of just 3 wickets in their 50 overs. Nonkululeko Mlaba was the pick of the South African bowlers, claiming 2 wickets for 51 runs.

Smriti Mandhana erupts in joy

In a dramatic turn of events, Mandhana emerged as an unlikely bowling hero. In the 14th over of the South African chase, she dismissed the dangerous Sune Luus for just 12 runs. This was a dream debut for Mandhana with the ball, as it marked her very first wicket in international cricket. She erupted in joy as the wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh completed a comfortable catch.

Here’s the video:

Also READ: IND-W vs SA-W – Fans erupt as Smriti Mandhana hammers her second consecutive century; equals Mithali Raj’s long-standing record

Laura Wolvaardt’s unbeaten knock goes in vain

South Africa fought valiantly in reply, spearheaded by a magnificent century from Laura Wolvaardt (135 not out) and a gritty 114 from Marizanne Kapp. However, consistent bowling from the Indian attack, with Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar claiming two wickets each, restricted the Proteas to 321/6 in their 50 overs, falling agonizingly short of the target.

This thrilling victory gave India a 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. The Women in Blue won the series opener comprehesively by 143 runs at the same venue on Sunday, June 16. Mandhana smashed a 127-ball 117 in that game.

Also READ: Netizens react as Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur tons lead India to series-clinching win over South Africa in 2nd Women’s ODI

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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