India Women’s vice-captain, Smriti Mandhana, delivered a stellar performance with the bat during the first ODI against South Africa Women at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The left-hander scored an impressive 117 runs off 127 balls, including one six and 12 boundaries. This remarkable innings marked her sixth ODI century, with this one being her first on home soil against the Proteas.
As wickets fell at regular intervals on the other end, Mandhana continued to accumulate runs. Eventually, she was caught by Sune Luus off Masabata Klass in the 47th over. India Women posted a total of 265/8 in their 50 overs.
During the 43rd over of India’s innings, Mandhana achieved a significant milestone by completing 7,000 runs in international cricket. She smashed Masabata Klaas for a six at mid-on and then stole a single at long-on. As she took off her helmet, raised her bat, and soaked in applause, the crowd and her teammates rose to their feet, giving her a well-deserved standing ovation.
Notably, Mandhana had previously led the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to their first-ever trophy in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) earlier in the year, earning her special treatment from the local fans in Bengaluru. Her international run tally now places her second only to former India captain Mithali Raj.
NUMBER 18 🤝 CHINNASWAMY 🤝 HUNDRED IN INDIA JERSEY.
– Smriti Mandhana is here to rule. pic.twitter.com/lAUCWvqmBS
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 16, 2024
Smriti Mandhana Opens Up After Her First Century in India
In an emotional moment, Mandhana expressed her delight at scoring her first century in India, especially on a challenging wicket. She backed India Women to defend the total, emphasizing the need for a strong bowling performance.
“Thank you, I knew that I have never scored a century in India but it didn’t come to my mind when I was batting. Really happy that we have got to a good score.
“It was a little two-paced wicket, it was not a bad wicket to bat, one-odd ball was keeping low, another was taking off, it’s not a bad wicket to bat on and that’s why I mentioned we need to go out and bowl well”
