The India women’s cricket team got their three-match ODI series against South Africa off to a dominant start, securing a comprehensive 143-run victory in the opening match played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on June 16, 2024.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the hosts posted a formidable total of 256/8 in their 50 overs, with opener Smriti Mandhana leading the way with a magnificent 117-run knockoff 127 balls. Mandhana’s innings was laced with 12 fours and a solitary six, and she was well supported by all-rounder Deepi Sharma, who scored a brisk 37 off 48 deliveries. Debutant Sobhana Asha also chipped in with an unbeaten 8-ball 8 to help India post a challenging target.
In response, the South Africa batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pressure applied by the Indian bowlers, getting bundled out for a paltry 122 in 37.4 overs. Spinner Sobbana Asha was the star of the show for the hosts, picking up 4 wickets for 21 runs in her 8.4 overs. Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav also contributed with two wickets each, while Pooja Vastrakar and Renuka Singh picked up a wicket apiece.
The South Africa innings never gained any momentum, with the top-order batters failing to make a significant contribution. Laura Wolvaardt (4), Anne Bosch (21), and Tazmin Brits (33) were the only ones to reach double figures, as the visitors struggled to cope with the disciplined bowling from the Indian team.
“It was a complete team performance from us today,” said India captain Harmanpreet Kaur in the post-match presentation. “Smriti and Deepti set the tone with the bat, and our bowlers were exceptional in restricting South Africa Sobhana was brilliant on debut, and it’s always great to see young talent stepping up.”
Mandhana, who was adjudged the player of the Match, expressed her delight at the team’s performance. “We wanted to put up a good total on the board and the back our bowlers to do the job, and that’s exactly what happened, “she said. “The pitch was a bit slow, but we adapted well and managed to score at a good pace. Hopefully, we can carry momentum into the next two matches.”
The victory puts India in a strong position in the ICC Women’s championship, as they look to secure direct qualification for the 2025 World Cup. The series is also an important part of South Africa’s preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the West Indies later this year.
The two teams will now head to Chennai for the second ODI, which is set to be played on Jun 19. The series will conclude with the third and final ODI in Cuttack on June 22, before the teams move on to the one-off Test match and the T20l series.
Key Highlights:
- India won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a formidable total of 265/8 in their 50 overs.
- Opener Smriti Mandhana starred win the bat, scoring a magnificent 117 off 127 balls, including 12 fours and a six.
- Deepti Sharma (37) and debutant Sobhana Asha (8*) also made valuable contributions to the Indian innings.
- In response, the South African batting lineup crumbled under the pressure, getting bowled out for 122 in 37.4 overs.
- Spinner Sobhana Asha was the star of the show for India, picking up 4 wickets for 21 runs in her 8.4 overs.
- Deepti Sharma Asha was the star of the show for India, picking up 4 wickets for 21 runs in her 8.4 overs.
- Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav also contributed with two wickets each, while Pooja Vastrakar and Renuka Singh Picked up a wicket apiece.
- The victory puts India in a strong position in the ICC Women’s Championship, as they look to secure direct qualification for the 2025 World Cup.
The series now moves to Chennai for the second ODI on June 19, followed by the third and final ODI in Cuttack on June 22. The teams will then face off in a one-off Test match and a T20l series as part of South Africa’s all-format tour of India.