India Survives South Africa Scare, Wins Second ODI by Four Runs

India's women's cricket team survived a thrilling encounter against South Africa in the second ODI at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday. After posting a mammoth 326-run target, India held on to a four-run victory, taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur were the stars of the Indian batting innings. Mandhana smashed a career-best 136 off 120 deliveries, while Kaur remained unbeaten on 103 from 88 balls. The duo shared a 184-run partnership for the third wicket, laying the foundation for India's imposing total.

South Africa's chase got off to a shaky start as they lost three wickets for 67 runs. However, a brilliant 184-run partnership between Laura Wolvaardt (135 not out) and Marizanne Kapp (114) brought the visitors back into contention.

With just 11 runs needed off the final over, South Africa seemed poised for victory. But Pooja Vastrakar, who was entrusted with the responsibility of bowling the last over, held her nerve. She dismissed Nadine de Klerk and Nondumiso Shangase off consecutive deliveries, leaving Wolvaardt stranded at the other end.

Debutant Arundhati Reddy, who replaced Renuka Singh in the Indian lineup, played a crucial role with the ball. She bowled a tight first spell and picked up the key wicket of Wolvaardt in the 15th over.

India's victory was marred by some sloppy fielding, as they dropped three catches and missed two run-outs. However, their bowlers managed to restrict South Africa to 322 runs, securing a hard-fought win.

Tags: #Cricket, #WomensODI, #SmritiMandhana, #HarmanpreetKaur, #LauraWolvaardt