Cricket

Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has etched her name in the history books by becoming the woman player with the most runs in a three-match bilateral ODI series. Mandhana achieved this remarkable feat during India's third ODI against South Africa at Bengaluru on Sunday.In the third ODI, Mandhana played a pivotal role in India's victory, scoring 90 runs off 83 balls, including 11 fours. Her innings came at a strike rate of 108.43, further solidifying her status as one of the most dangerous batters in women's cricket.Mandhana's performance in the series was nothing short of exceptional. In the first ODI, she scored 117 runs off 127 balls, with 12 fours and a six. In the second ODI, she went one step further, scoring 136 runs off 120 balls, with 18 fours and two sixes.Overall, Mandhana ended the three-match series with a staggering 343 runs, at an average of 114.33 and a strike rate of above 103. Her tally included two centuries and a fifty, a testament to her consistency and ability to score runs in all conditions.Mandhana's heroics earned her the 'Player of the Series' award as India whitewashed South Africa by 3-0. Her performance has not only helped India secure a series victory but has also cemented her position as one of the best batters in the world.The previous record for the most runs in a bilateral ODI series by a women's player was held by former Australian player Karen Rolton, who scored 394 runs in six ODIs against New Zealand in 2004. Mandhana's achievement is even more impressive considering that she did it in just three matches.In the third ODI, South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first. Skipper Laura Woolvaardt (61 off 57 balls) and Tazmin Brits (38 off 26 balls) provided a solid start with a 102-run opening stand. However, Indian bowlers fought back, with Deepti Sharma (2/27) and Arundhati Reddy (2/36) leading the charge. South Africa was eventually bowled out for 215 runs in 50 overs.In the run-chase, Mandhana held one end steady, while Shafali Varma (25 off 39 balls), Priya Punia (28 off 40 balls), and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (42 off 48 balls) played crucial knocks. Jemimah Rodrigues (19* off 20 balls) and Richa Ghosh (6* off 10 balls) finished the job, guiding India to a comfortable six-wicket victory with 56 balls to spare.Deepti Sharma was named 'Player of the Match' for her all-round performance, which included two wickets and a crucial 20 runs off 24 balls.

India's women's cricket team continued their dominance over South Africa, completing a comprehensive 3-0 sweep of the ODI series with a resounding six-wicket victory at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.Chasing a modest target of 216, India romped home with more than nine overs to spare, thanks to a brilliant 90-run knock from Smriti Mandhana. The left-handed opener once again showcased her exceptional batting skills, driving, clipping, and steering the ball effortlessly to the boundary. Despite missing out on a third consecutive century, her innings was a testament to her class and consistency.Priya Punia, who replaced D. Hemalatha in the lineup, made a valuable contribution with 28 runs, while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur chipped in with 42. However, it was Mandhana's brilliance that set the tone for India's victory.Earlier, South Africa, who opted to bat first, began promisingly with captain Laura Wolvaardt (61) and Tazmin Brits (38) putting on a 102-run partnership. However, Wolvaardt's dismissal triggered a collapse, as the Proteas lost wickets in quick succession.Arundhati Reddy, who replaced injured pacer Renuka Singh, played a key role in South Africa's downfall, taking two wickets for 36 runs. She dismissed Wolvaardt with a sharp catch off her own bowling and then accounted for Anneke Bosch in a similar fashion.Shreyanka Patil, who came in for leg-spinner Asha Sobhana, also made an impact, dismissing star batter Marizanne Kapp to reduce South Africa to 120 for four.Despite some resistance from Nadine de Klerk (26) and Mieke de Ridder (26 not out), South Africa could only manage to post 215 for nine in their allotted 50 overs.India's bowlers, led by Reddy and Patil, kept the South African batters in check throughout the innings, with the Proteas failing to build any substantial partnerships.In the end, India's superior batting depth proved too much for South Africa, as they cruised to victory with ease. The win extended India's unbeaten streak in ODIs against South Africa to 10 matches.

India's women's cricket team stands on the cusp of a historic 3-0 series sweep against South Africa in the third and final ODI on Sunday. Despite facing challenges in the first two matches, India has emerged victorious, showcasing resilience and exceptional batting performances.In the opening match, India's batters overcame a precarious 99 for five to post a formidable 260-plus total. The bowlers then defended the target with determination. However, in the second game, the Indian bowlers faced a stern test against centurions Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp. Despite conceding a heavy total, they held their nerve until the final ball to secure the win.Throughout both matches, Smriti Mandhana has been a standout performer, scoring consecutive centuries (117 and 136). She has become the first Indian woman batter to achieve this feat in ODIs and has equaled Mithali Raj's record of seven one-day centuries.Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur's timely return to form with an 88-ball 103 in the second match has also boosted India's confidence. However, the team will be eager to see a substantial contribution from opener Shafali Verma, who has endured a run of low scores.With the series already in hand, India may consider giving opportunities to fringe players such as bowlers Shreyanka Patil, Saika Ishaque, and top-order batter Priya Punia.South Africa, on the other hand, will be determined to salvage a win and earn valuable ICC Women's ODI Championship points, which are crucial for their qualification for next year's 50-over World Cup. A victory would also provide a much-needed confidence boost ahead of the Test and T20I series.The visitors will need a collective effort from their batters and bowlers to challenge India's dominance.

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.

Smriti Mandhana, the Indian women's cricket team's star opener, has etched her name in the annals of history by equaling Mithali Raj's record for the most centuries in women's One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Mandhana's scintillating knock of 136 runs against South Africa in the second ODI at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium marked her seventh ODI century, bringing her level with the legendary Raj.Mandhana's remarkable achievement is a testament to her exceptional talent and consistency. Her back-to-back centuries in the series against South Africa make her the first Indian woman to achieve this feat in ODI cricket. In the series opener, she had scored a brilliant 117 runs, setting the tone for India's dominance in the series.The match against South Africa began cautiously for Mandhana, who was kept quiet by the South African bowlers during the first powerplay. However, she gradually found her rhythm and began to dominate the bowlers. Her composed approach paid off as she reached her century in just 103 balls, eventually scoring 136 off 120 balls.Mandhana's knock was adorned with 18 boundaries and two sixes, showcasing her ability to both accumulate and accelerate runs. Her efforts propelled India past the 200-run mark inside the 40th over, setting a strong foundation for a formidable total.Supporting Mandhana at the other end was captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who also slammed an 87-ball century. The duo's partnership was crucial in maintaining the momentum and putting pressure on the South African bowlers.However, Mandhana was dismissed in the 46th over scoring 136 of 120 deliveries, attempting to hit Nonkululeko Mlaba over the cover region. India posted a mammoth total of 325 for three in 50 overs with the help of centuries by Mandhana and skipper Kaur.Mandhana's record-equaling century is a significant milestone in her illustrious career. It is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and unwavering determination. As she continues to shine on the international stage, Mandhana is poised to break even more records and inspire generations of young cricketers.

India will aim to clinch the three-match ODI series against South Africa when the two teams meet in the second match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on June 19. The hosts hold a 1-0 lead after their commanding 143-run victory in the series opener.In the first encounter, Smriti Mandhana led India's batting with a magnificent century (117), ably supported by all-rounders Deepti Sharma (37) and Pooja Vastrakar (31 n.o.). The bowlers, spearheaded by debutant Asha Sobhana (4/21), then restricted South Africa to a paltry 122.However, India's top-order batters will be under scrutiny in the second match. Opener Shafali Verma has struggled in recent ODIs, scoring just 21 runs in her last six innings, while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has managed only 41 runs in five matches. The duo will need to step up and provide a solid foundation for the middle order.Pooja Vastrakar's fitness will also be a concern for India. The 24-year-old left the field with a knee injury during the first ODI, but she bowled in the nets on Tuesday. Her availability for the second match remains uncertain.South Africa, on the other hand, will be desperate to bounce back from their disappointing performance in the first match. After letting India off the hook from 99 for five, their batting collapsed, with only Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, and Marizanne Kapp making starts.The Proteas will have a full squad to choose from for the second ODI. Pacer Nadine de Klerk confirmed that the illness that had sidelined several players, including herself, in the first match is now behind them. However, she remained tight-lipped about Kapp's return to bowling following a back injury.With the series on the line, both teams are expected to field their strongest possible lineups. India will be confident of sealing the series victory, while South Africa will be determined to level the score and force a decider in the third match.

Smriti Mandhana, India's vice-captain, has ascended two positions to claim the third spot in the ICC Women's ODI batting rankings. This surge follows her match-winning century in India's 143-run victory over South Africa in the recently concluded three-match series.Mandhana's impressive performance, which included a maiden century on home soil, has propelled her to a total of 715 points. She now trails Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu, who has slipped to second place, and England's Natalie Sciver-Brunt, who has regained the top spot after scoring an unbeaten 124 against Pakistan last month.India's all-rounder Deepti Sharma has also made significant progress, climbing three places to 20th in the batting rankings. Pooja Vastrakar has similarly moved up three positions to 38th.Vastrakar has also made a notable jump in the ODI all-rounders' rankings, rising four places to 18th. South Africa's Marizanne Kapp remains the undisputed No. 1 ODI all-rounder.In the bowling department, Deepti Sharma has moved up one place to fourth after her economical performance in the series opener, where she claimed figures of 2/10. England's Sophie Ecclestone continues to dominate the ODI bowlers' rankings, maintaining a comfortable lead at the top.This surge in rankings for Indian players reflects their impressive performances in the recent series against South Africa. Mandhana's century and Sharma's all-round contributions have been instrumental in India's success.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fans have always been vocal in their support for their team, even in unrelated sports events. This was evident once again at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 16, where a section of supporters erupted into chants of "RCB, RCB" during India women's emphatic 143-run ODI victory over South Africa.The chants were not entirely out of place, as two key contributors to RCB's recent Women's Premier League (WPL) triumph were on display. Smriti Mandhana, who captained RCB to the title, scored a magnificent 117-run knock, while leg-spinner Asha Sobhana claimed a four-wicket haul on debut.Mandhana's century was a testament to her determination and resilience. She had crossed the half-century mark 31 times in ODIs but had only reached three figures on five occasions. However, on a challenging pitch, she showed her class by overcoming mid-innings cramps and guiding her team out of trouble."I started off pretty well, and whenever you get two cover drives in the first over you always feel good," said the 27-year-old. "But whenever I thought of taking the game on, there was a wicket. Maybe that helped me stay at the crease."Asha, 33, also had a memorable outing. After playing a starring role in RCB's IPL triumph, she earned a maiden National team call ahead of the five-match T20I tour to Bangladesh in May. She played two matches there and the ODI debut has followed soon after."Back in 2017 or 2018, I remember looking at her in the Challengers, and thinking ‘Oh she can really turn the ball’,” said Mandhana about Asha. “Her last eight months have shown what hard work can do to a player.""The way she bowled [versus South Africa], turning the ball square, I am happy that she is in my team. Whenever I face her in the nets, it’s really hard to go over the top. I love (batting against) leg-spinners, but I can’t really do it against Asha. That shows her strength.”The victory was a resounding statement from the Indian women's team, who are preparing for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa. Smriti Mandhana and Asha Sobhana's performances will give the team a much-needed boost of confidence as they aim to make a strong impact on the global stage.

Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians Clash in Crucial Women's T20 Challenge MatchIn a highly anticipated match, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI) faced off in their final league match of the Women's T20 Challenge at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The stakes were high, with MI aiming for the top spot and a direct place in the final, while RCB sought a top-three finish.RCB captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss and elected to bowl first. The pitch was hard and well-prepared, offering a favorable surface for batters. However, fast bowlers were advised to bowl a straighter line to maximize their chances of success.RCB's bowling attack, led by Renuka Singh, proved effective in restricting MI's scoring. Hayley Matthews and Natalie Sciver-Brunt provided a solid start for MI, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Harmanpreet Kaur, the MI captain, played a crucial knock of 37 runs, but it wasn't enough to propel her team to a substantial total.In response, RCB's batting lineup struggled to gain momentum. Sophie Molineux and Ellyse Perry got off to a decent start, but the MI bowlers, particularly Shabnim Ismail and Saika Ishaque, kept them in check. Richa Ghosh, the RCB wicketkeeper, provided some resistance with a quickfire 29, but it was too little too late.MI ultimately emerged victorious by 15 runs, securing their place at the top of the points table. RCB, despite the loss, finished third and qualified for the playoffs.After the match, Mandhana expressed her disappointment but acknowledged the importance of finishing in the top three. Kaur, on the other hand, praised her team's performance and expressed confidence in their chances in the final.