Smriti Mandhana’s Century and Asha Sobhana’s Debut Heroics Lead India to Dominant Victory Over South Africa

Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana’s stellar 117 off 127 balls, her sixth ODI century, and debutant leg-spinner Asha Sobhana’s impressive four-wicket haul powered India to a comprehensive 143-run victory over South Africa at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, kicking off the multi-format series on a high note.

Match Overview

On a pitch offering variable bounce, seam movement, and spin, India elected to bat first but found themselves in trouble at 99/5. However, Smriti Mandhana anchored the innings with remarkable discipline and composure, overcoming cramps to score her first ODI century at home. Her innings, studded with 12 fours and a six, received strong support from Deepti Sharma (37) and Pooja Vastrakar (31), helping India post a competitive total of 265/8 in 50 overs.

Key Contributions

• Smriti Mandhana: Her knock of 117 not only bailed India out but also enthralled the crowd, making her the second Indian women’s batter to cross 7000 international runs and breaking Mithali Raj’s record for the highest ODI score by an Indian batter in women’s ODIs.
• Asha Sobhana: On her ODI debut, Asha delivered a match-winning performance with figures of 4-21, ensuring South Africa never recovered from early setbacks and were bowled out for 122 in 37.4 overs.

South Africa’s Struggle

South Africa’s chase faltered early when captain Laura Wolvaardt was bowled by Renuka Singh Thakur in the first over. The Proteas struggled to form substantial partnerships, losing wickets at regular intervals. Despite Sune Luus’s resistance with a score of 33, South Africa failed to build momentum.

Bowling Highlights

• Asha Sobhana: Her four-wicket spell was pivotal, dismissing key batters and maintaining pressure.
• Support from Other Bowlers: Renuka Singh Thakur, Pooja Vastrakar, Deepti Sharma, and Radha Yadav also contributed with crucial wickets, ensuring a well-rounded bowling performance.

Detailed Performance

Smriti Mandhana began the innings with elegant drives and held the innings together despite a middle-order collapse. Contributions from Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar aided India in crossing the 250-run mark. In response, South Africa’s batting lineup crumbled under scoreboard pressure, with Asha Sobhana’s exceptional debut spell sealing their fate.

Summary of Scores

• India: 265/8 in 50 overs (Smriti Mandhana 117, Deepti Sharma 37; Ayabonga Khaka 3-47, Masabata Klass 2-51)
• South Africa: 122 in 37.4 overs (Sune Luus 33, Sinalo Jafta 27; Asha Sobhana 4-21, Deepti Sharma 2-10)
• Result: India won by 143 runs

This victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, showcasing strong performances from both experienced players and debutants, promising an exciting series ahead.