Indian women chase down 248 to take a 2-0 lead over South Africa

36
Image Courtesy: Indian Express

India held on to take a 2-0 in the series after they recorded a five-wicket victory over South Africa in the second women’s ODI at Vadodara.

Image Courtesy: Indian Express

Chasing 248 to win, the home team were on the right track with Mithali Raj (66) and Punam Raut (65) steering the ship. Both fell within a span of four deliveries to let the visitors back into the game. Harmanpreet Kaur (39), however held on to take India to the finish line.

Mithali and Punam pioneered the chase, laying a strong foundation by adding 129 runs for the third wicket. Mithali on the course reached her 53rd ODI fifty. With 192 on board, both Mithali and Punam, who were well set, fell to poor shot selection.

The chase was also partially aided by South Africa’s poor bowling display that saw them concede 29 wides.

Earlier, South Africa responded with a strong start after having been put into bat by India. Openers Lizelle Lee (40) and Laura Wolvaardt (69) added 76 runs for the first wicket. Mignon du Preez (44) and Lara Goodall (38) kept the scoreboard moving in the middle overs and propelled the total in excess of 240.

Shikha Pandey, Ekta Bisht and Poonam Yadav picked up two wickets each.