It was Smriti Mandhana‘s day in the 2nd ODI against South Africa in Bengaluru on Wednesday. The star India batter entered the history books by equalling former women’s cricket team captain Mithali Raj‘s all-time Indian record for the most centuries in women’s ODIs. Mandhana’s brilliant knock of 136 runs at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium against South Africa Women in the second ODI was her seventh ODI century, bringing her level with the legendary Raj. Along with Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur also scored a ton as India put up 325/3 in 50 overs.
Mandhan impressed with the ball too. Bowling for the first time in international cricket, Mandhana got South Africa’s Aune Luus caught behind. It was her first wicket in international cricket. The wicket was special in another ways as several social media use found her action similar to Virat Kohli.
#INDvSA #IDFCFirstBankWomensODITrophy #JioCinemaSports pic.twitter.com/kORVBL31Nw
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) June 19, 2024
Virat Kohli Smriti Mandhana.
– The No.18 connection! pic.twitter.com/SNqw6lgnyC
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 19, 2024
Virat Kohli Smriti Mandhana…!!! pic.twitter.com/dvuQDG0NPA
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 19, 2024
Following her century in the series opener, when she scored 117 runs, the flamboyant left-hander continued her superb form. Her back-to-back centuries made her the first Indian woman to achieve this feat in ODI cricket.
The match began with a cautious start for Mandhana, who was kept quiet by the South African bowlers during the first powerplay. India lost opener Shafali Verma early, leaving Mandhana to anchor the innings. She meticulously built her innings, reaching 19 off 40 balls before shifting gears to dominate the bowlers. Her composed approach paid off as she reached her century in just 103 balls, eventually scoring 136 off 120 balls.
Mandhana’s knock was adorned with 18 boundaries and two sixes, showcasing her ability to both accumulate and accelerate runs. Her efforts propelled India past the 200-run mark inside the 40th over, setting a strong foundation for a formidable total.
Supporting Mandhana at the other end was captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who also slammed an 87-ball century. The duo’s partnership was crucial in maintaining the momentum and putting pressure on the South African bowlers.
However, Mandhana was dismissed in the 46th over scoring 136 of 129 deliveries, attempting to hit Nonkululeko Mlaba over the cover region.
India posted a mammoth total of 325 for three in 50 overs with the help of centuries by Mandhana and skipper Kaur.
With IANS inputs
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