first wicket in international cricket Smriti Mandhana
2024.06.20
Smriti Mandhana picked up her maiden international wicket against South Africa.
On Wednesday, June 19, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, India Women defeated South Africa Women by a tight margin of 4 runs in a highly entertaining second One-Day International.
After winning the toss, South Africa decided to field first. The Indian opener, Smriti Mandhana, set the tone for the innings with an outstanding 136-run performance. With a brilliant 103 not out, Harmanpreet Kaur provided her with much-needed assistance, helping India to a challenging 325 runs in their 50 overs with just 3 wickets lost. The best bowler in South Africa was Nonkululeko Mlaba, who took two wickets for 51 runs.
In a surprising change of events, Mandhana became the bowling hero of the unknown. She ended the South African chase with the dangerous Sune Luus out for just 12 runs in the 14th over. Mandhana‘s ball debut was a dream come true since it was her maiden wicket in an international cricket match. As wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh completed a simple catch, she sprang into excitement.
In response, South Africa battled bravely, led by a stunning century from Laura Wolvaardt (135 not out) and a tenacious 114 from Marizanne Kapp. But the Indian assault bowled consistently, with Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar taking two wickets apiece, restricting the Proteas to 321/6 in their 50 overs, a very short total.
India now have a 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series after this exciting win. On Sunday, June 16, at the same location, the Women in Blue decisively won the first game of the series by 143 runs. In that match, Mandhana blasted a 117 off 127 balls.
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