Experience the thrill of the game as India(W) outplays South Africa(W) in a heart-stopping 2nd ODI match. Get all the highlights and updates here.
Introduction
On June 19, 2024, cricket fans were treated to a nail-biting finish between the India Women’s team and the South Africa Women’s team in the 2nd ODI of their series in Bengaluru. This match showcased the prowess, resilience, and determination of both teams as they battled fiercely for victory. India emerged triumphant, but not without South Africa giving them a serious scare. The match had everything: high scores, dramatic comebacks, and a last-over finish that left spectators on the edge of their seats.
First Innings: India Women Set a Formidable Target
India(W), batting first, posted an imposing total of 325 runs, setting a high benchmark for South Africa(W). The innings was characterized by stellar performances from key batters who played aggressively yet sensibly to pile up the runs.
India(W) outplays South Africa(W):
India Women put up a spectacular show in the second ODI against South Africa(W) in Bengaluru, posting their first-ever 300-plus total in women’s ODIs at home. The team amassed 325 for 3, surpassing their previous best of 298 for 2 against West Indies(W) in 2004. This remarkable total is also the fifth-highest against South Africa in women’s ODIs, with the top four scores being held by England.
In ODIs played in Bengaluru, India(W) have only twice managed to score more than their recent 325 for 3. Their highest remains 358 for 2 against Ireland in 2017, followed by 333 for 5 against England in 2022. The match also witnessed Harmanpreet Kaur’s rapid century, which she achieved in just 87 balls, setting a new record for the fastest hundred by an Indian in women’s ODIs. She broke her own record from the 2017 World Cup semi-final against Australia, where she had scored a century in 90 balls.
Smriti Mandhana added a new feather:
Smriti Mandhana added another feather to her cap by becoming the first Indian(W) batter to score hundreds in successive innings in women’s ODIs. She joined an elite group of nine other batters who have achieved consecutive centuries in women’s ODIs, with only Amy Satterthwaite having more consecutive hundreds—four in a row during 2016-2017. Mandhana now shares the record for the most ODI hundreds for India (seven) with Mithali Raj, with Harmanpreet following closely with six centuries.
The match also saw India(W) hitting eight sixes, their highest in a women’s ODI, surpassing their previous best of seven. This feat also marked the most sixes hit by any team against South Africa in a women’s ODI, eclipsing the six sixes by New Zealand in the 2013 World Cup.
Match Winning Partnership:
Mandhana’s 136 runs against South Africa on Wednesday is now the highest score for India in a women’s ODI at home, overtaking her own previous best of 117 runs scored in the first ODI on Sunday. Mandhana and Harmanpreet’s formidable partnership yielded their second 150-plus stand in ODIs, making them only the third pair to achieve multiple 150-plus partnerships for the third (or lower) wicket in women’s ODIs.
In the last ten overs of their innings, India(W) scored 118 runs, including 14 fours and five sixes. Despite a slow start that saw only 47 runs in the first 15 overs with five boundaries and 72 dot balls, the team finished strong, showcasing their batting depth and power hitting capabilities.
See also: Smriti Mandhana’s Remarkable Century as India(W) Emerges Victorious Over SA(W) in the 1st ODI
Second Innings: South Africa’s Gallant Chase
Chasing 326 for victory, South Africa Women found themselves in trouble early on, losing wickets at regular intervals. However, a brilliant century from Laura Wolvaardt and a superb knock from Marizanne Kapp brought them back into the game.
Wolvaardt and Kapp’s partnership was instrumental in keeping South Africa in the hunt. Their calculated aggression and ability to find boundaries under pressure were exemplary. However, it was Pooja Vastrakar’s decisive bowling in the final over that clinched the victory for India.
South Africa’s Response: A Tale of Two Centuries
South Africa’s chase was characterized by resilience and determination. Despite early setbacks, Wolvaardt and Kapp’s centuries gave them a fighting chance. Their partnership was pivotal, with both batters complementing each other perfectly.
Laura Wolvaardt’s Magnificent Century
Laura Wolvaardt’s innings was a masterclass in batting under pressure. Her 135 off 135 balls, laced with 12 fours and 3 sixes, kept South Africa in the hunt throughout their chase. Her calm demeanor and ability to find boundaries at crucial moments exemplified her class.
Marizanne Kapp’s Aggressive Knock
Marizanne Kapp’s contribution in the middle overs was equally significant. She scored a brisk century, injecting momentum into the chase when it seemed like South Africa had no hope. Her aggressive stroke play and partnership with Wolvaardt kept the run rate within reach.
The Middle Overs: A Shifting Balance
The middle overs saw a see-saw battle, with both teams having their moments. Deepti Sharma’s spell was crucial in breaking the partnerships and slowing down the scoring rate. However, Kapp’s aggressive approach ensured that South Africa stayed in the game.
The Penultimate Over: Setting the Stage
The penultimate over bowled by Arundhati Reddy went for 15 runs, setting up a nail-biting finish. Wolvaardt’s ability to find the boundary and de Klerk’s crucial six kept the spectators on the edge of their seats.
Pooja Vastrakar’s Nerve-Wracking Final Over
Pooja Vastrakar’s final over was a testament to her character and skill. Despite conceding a few high full tosses earlier in her spell, she held her nerve and executed her slower deliveries to perfection in the last over, clinching a thrilling victory for India.
Conclusion:
This match will be remembered for its high drama, individual brilliance, and the sheer intensity of the contest. Both teams showcased their skills and tenacity, providing a thrilling spectacle for cricket fans. For India, it was a moment of triumph, as they held their nerve in a pressure-cooker situation to clinch a memorable victory.