Smriti Mandhana scripts new record as India Women bounce back against South Africa | Cricket News

Smriti Mandhana was the star performer from the Indian camp as the opener scored an unbeaten 80 from 64 balls to assist the hosts bounce back within the five-match ODI sequence. Chasing a paltry 158-run goal against South Africa Women within the second T20I, Mandhana together with Punam Raut added 138 runs for the second wicket as India wrapped up the competition in 28.4 overs. 

This was Mandhana’s tenth consecutive fifty-plus knock throughout a run-chase, making her the primary cricketer to realize this feat. Mandhana’s through the course of her innings overtook New Zealand’s Suzie Bates, who had slammed 9 consecutive fifty-plus scores throughout run-chases in ODIs between 2015 and 2017. 

In response to South Africa’s first-inning complete, India received off to a gradual begin, shedding Jemimah Rodrigues early within the innings. However, Mandhana discovered nice assist from Punam, as the pair made positive India Women bounce back within the sequence in complete method.   

Batting at a strike-rate of 125.00, Mandhana went on to hit 10 fours and three sixes and completed the competition by hitting Nadine de Klerk for 2 consecutive boundaries within the twenty ninth over.

Punam, then again, maintained a cautious method and completed the innings unbeaten on 62 from 89 balls.

Earlier within the day, India skipper Mithali Raj gained the toss and  invited South Africa to bat first. Veteran India cricketer Jhulan Goswami emerged as the standout bowler from the Indian camp as she completed her 10-over quota with 4 wickets and gave away 42 runs. 

Spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad picked three wickets from 9 overs, whereas seamer Mansi Joshi scalped two.

With this win the sequence is now squared at 1-1, and the third ODI might be performed on March 12 in Lucknow.