On June 19, 2024, Bengaluru witnessed a thrilling cricket match between the India women vs South Africa women 2nd ODI of their series.
This match had high scores, individual brilliance, record-breaking partnerships, and a nail-biting finish.
This win, led by stellar performances from Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur, helped India clinch the series with a game in hand.
Pre-match Expectations
Both teams had shown flashes of brilliance leading up to the India women vs South Africa women 2nd ODI. India had won the first match convincingly, but South Africa was determined to bounce back.
Key players like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur for India, and Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp for South Africa were expected to shine. The stakes were high, as a win for India would seal the series, while South Africa needed a victory to stay alive.
Conditions and Venue
The match was played at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, known for its batting-friendly pitch. The IPL has seen many high-scoring matches.
The weather was overcast, with a slight chance of rain, which could initially swing the bowlers’ advantage. The conditions promised an intriguing contest between bat and ball.
India’s Innings: A Tale of Two Centuries
India won the toss and elected to bat first in the India women vs South Africa women 2nd ODI, but their start was far from ideal.
The South African bowlers, particularly Ayabonga Khaka and Masabata Klaas, exploited the conditions well, keeping the Indian batters on a tight leash.
India managed only a modest 30 runs in the first powerplay, losing Shafali Verma for 17. Nonkululeko Mlaba’s dismissal of Verma was a setback, forcing India to rethink its strategy.
The Mandhana-Hemalatha Partnership
Smriti Mandhana, despite a cautious start, began to find her rhythm. Joined by Dayalan Hemalatha, Mandhana slowly built the innings.
The partnership was crucial, adding 62 runs and setting a platform for the latter stages of the innings. A brief rain interruption did little to deter their progress as they steadily accumulated runs.
Smriti Mandhana’s Masterclass
Smriti Mandhana’s innings was a masterclass in timing and placement. She reached her half-century off 67 balls and continued to accelerate. Mandhana’s strokeplay was a delight as she drove, cut, and pulled elegantly.
Her century, her second consecutive one in ODIs, came off 97 balls. Mandhana eventually scored 136 off 120 balls, including 18 fours and two sixes, setting a solid foundation for a big total.
Harmanpreet Joins the Party
Harmanpreet Kaur, known for her aggressive batting, took over from Hemalatha and immediately changed the tempo of the innings. Her approach was a perfect complement to Mandhana’s steady scoring.
Kaur’s innings were a display of power hitting and precision. She scored 103 off 88 balls, with nine fours and three sixes. The partnership of 171 runs between Mandhana and Kaur was instrumental in taking India past the 300-run mark.
The Final Flourish
In the last 10 overs, India shifted gears dramatically. They scored 118 runs, thanks to the onslaught from Harmanpreet and a quick cameo from Richa Ghosh, who contributed with some lusty blows.
India finished their innings at 325/3, marking their first 300-plus total at home and setting several records.
South Africa’s Chase: A Valiant Effort
Early Setbacks
Chasing a daunting target of 326, South Africa needed a strong start in this India women vs South Africa women 2nd ODI. However, they stumbled early, losing Tazmin Brits to debutant Arundhati Reddy.
The early dismissals of Brits, Anneke Bosch, and Sune Luus left South Africa reeling at 67/3.
The Kapp-Wolvaardt Revival
Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp then took charge of the chase. Their partnership was a remarkable blend of aggression and composure.
Kapp’s century scored briskly and kept South Africa in the hunt. Wolvaardt, on the other hand, played the anchor role perfectly, pacing her innings beautifully.
Wolvaardt’s Anchoring Role
Wolvaardt’s innings were a masterclass in chasing under pressure. She rotated the strike effectively and capitalised on loose deliveries.
Her unbeaten 135 off 135 balls was an innings of maturity and skill, ensuring South Africa stayed within touching distance of the target.
The Final Stretch
As the match headed towards the final overs, the tension escalated. India’s bowlers, led by Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar, bowled with discipline and intelligence.
The turning point came in the final over, with South Africa needing 10 runs to win. Pooja Vastrakar held her nerve, executing her plans perfectly and conceding only five runs, thus sealing a thrilling four-run victory for India.
Post-Match Analysis
Key Performances
Several standout performances were seen in the match. Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur’s centuries were pivotal in setting a formidable target.
Marizanne Kapp and Laura Wolvaardt’s centuries kept South Africa in the game until the end. Pooja Vastrakar and Deepti Sharma were exceptional among the bowlers, especially in the death overs.
Strategic Insights
India’s batting strategy revolved around building partnerships and accelerating towards the end. Mandhana and Kaur’s partnership was the cornerstone of their innings.
South Africa showed great resilience despite early setbacks. Kapp and Wolvaardt’s partnership was crucial in keeping them in contention.
Records and Milestones
It was the first time in women’s ODIs that four batters scored centuries in the same game. The combined total of 646 runs was the second-highest in women’s ODI history.
Smriti Mandana hit the 7th century in ODI cricket, joining Mithali Raj for the most centuries in Indian women’s ODI cricket.
Impact on the Series
India’s victory clinched the series 2-0, giving them an unassailable lead. The win will boost their confidence ahead of future tournaments.
For South Africa, the close contest showed their fighting spirit and will provide valuable lessons for the future.
The Finishing Line
The India women vs South Africa women 2nd ODI was a testament to the growing competitiveness of women’s cricket. It showcased individual brilliance, strategic acumen, and the sheer unpredictability that makes cricket such a fascinating sport.
Fans can expect another thrilling encounter as both teams approach the third ODI.
What were your thoughts on the match? Do you think South Africa can bounce back in the third ODI? Share your predictions and stay tuned with Cricket World 007 for more updates and analyses on women’s cricket.