Smriti Mandhana scripts history with sensational 80-run knock against South Africa

Smriti Mandhana scripts history with sensational 80-run knock against South Africa

Smriti Mandhana

India vs South Africa Women
Indian and South African players after the match

The five-match women’s ODI series between India and South Africa is currently underway at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. After the Proteas drew first blood in the series by clinching the first ODI, the Indians came roaring back to win the second ODI and draw level in the series that marks the return of competitive women’s cricket to the country after a long gap.

The second ODI turned out to be a cakewalk for the Indians as they aced the chase in 28.4 overs after bowling their opponents out in 41 overs. The pick of the bowlers was veteran Jhulan Goswami who picked up 4 wickets to derail the Proteas innings. Rajeshwari Gayakwad also chipped in with 3 wickets. In the chase, both Punam Raut and Smriti Mandhana scored unbeaten half-centuries to guide their side home.

Smriti Mandhana creates unique record

Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana

Smriti Mandhana scored a scintillating 80* today and achieved the feat of scoring at least a half-century in each of her last 10 innings while chasing. She began her streak with the ODI against Australia in Vadodara with a 67. Since then, she has notched up at least a half-century in the next nine matches – a streak that also includes a hundred. Her scores read 67, 52, 86, 53, 73, 105, 90, 63, 74 and 80 in chases.

Smriti’s total of 14 50+ scores in chases is the eighth highest in the history of women’s cricket. She is level with Debbie Hockely of New Zealand and is second among Indians after the legendary Mithali Raj‘s 25.

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