It is a good comeback from the Indian side right after losing the final T20I against South Africa, despite winning the series. The match was a wake-up call in many ways for the young Indian team.
Coming back to the ODIs, India had the boost of having Jhulan Goswami and Mithali Raj in the side. Though India had to miss Smriti Mandhana who suffered fracture while practice, her absence wasn’t felt when it came to the batting, thanks to Priya Punia.
Priya Punia, who was making her debut in the ODI format, had the responsibility of taking the match till the end, something Smriti would normally do.
While the things were getting tougher, Priya made justice to her selection by scoring an unbeaten 75. Priya had the support of Jemimah Rodrigues who on the other hand gave India a positive start and scored 55.
Earlier, South Africa after opting to bat first suffered their first wicket as Jhulan Goswami sent back the dangerous Lizelle Lee. South Africa had things going with Trisha Chetty and Laura Wolvaardt building up a tiny partnership. Trisha Chetty who returned to the international side had to go after some brilliant work from Taniya Bhatia.
Mignon du Preez then was dismissed in a similar fashion by Ekta Bisht. After losing wickets continously, South Africa recovered a bit with Kapp scoring fifty.
The team managed 164. For India, Goswami once again led the pack with three wickets and was supported by other bowlers.
India then chasing the total, would have faced a different fate when Punia was dropped on 6 but the youngster made South Africa regret the missed opportunity by taking the team home safe.
India will take on South Africa in the second ODI on Friday.
Records:
1. Mithali Raj became the first woman to play for more than 20 years, fourth overall.
2. Priya Punia now has the fourth most runs for India women in ODI debut.
3. Priya Punia is also 7th Indian woman to score a fifty on debut ODI
4. 2013 was the last time when both the Indian openers made 50+ scores
