It’s a winning start to 2018 for the Indian Women. In the world cup, South Africa rattled India, but it’s a different story here. Mithali Raj won the toss and opted to bat first.
Punam Raut and Smriti Mandana had a 55-run opening stand. Raut wasn’t at her best, struggled with the timing; scored 19. Captain Mithali and Mandana added 99 runs for the second wicket. Mandana played a wonderful knock of 84 on a pitch that was offering assistance to the pacers. Mithali, as usual, backed Mandana with a well made 45. Both the players fell in quick succession, and that turned the fortune for the hosts. India scored 213/7 in their 50 overs.
The Indian pacers provided an exceptional start, Jhulan went wicketless in her first spell, Shikha continued her incredible show against the hosts as she broke through the defence of the South African batters, collected three wickets. Poonam Yadav and Gayakwad broke the partnership of Niekerk(41) and Kapp(23) and Jhulan destroyed the tail-enders at the end. She collected four wickets. The hosts rolled out for 125.
This is India’s one of the biggest wins against South Africa. The go one nil up in the five-match series.
The veteran Jhulan Goswami today became the first Indian and second overall to score 1000 runs and pick 100 or more wickets in the WODI. She is just one wicket away from 200 wickets.
Shikha Pandey’s amazing run against South Africa continues. 20 wickets from 9 matches.
Sad that this match wasn’t telecasted on Television and no online streaming was available.
I don’t know women’s game can continue to be as inactive as it has been: Ian Bishop