Summary: 2nd ODI – Mithali, Punam and Harmanpreet’s knocks help India successfully chase biggest-ever ODI total
Solid knocks by Mithali Raj, Punam Raut, and Harmanpreet Kaur helped India to successfully chase a record ODI total. A calm approach in the Indian batting ensured that they don’t crumble under the pressure of scoreboard in the second innings. India chased the set target of 248 runs taking an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the series against South Africa.
South Africa, when put to bat, put a formidable score of 247 on board. Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt put up a wonderful partnership with Laura making the highest score of 69. Lee batted well and scored 40 runs, hitting 3 fours and one maximum as well. A quality partnership between Goodall and du Preez saw South Africa cross 200 runs in the 42nd over. A good stumping by Bhatia saw the end of Goodall’s innings of 38 runs. It was du Preez who anchored the innings, first with Suné Luus and later with Marizanne Kapp. Preez hit a six in the penultimate over but was bowled out by Bisht in the last over when she was on 44. South Africa made 247/6 at the end of 50 overs. Pacer Shikha Pandey and spin duo of Ekta Bisht and Deepti Sharma scalped 2 wickets apiece.
India needed special innings from its batters if they wanted to chase down the total. India had never chased 248 runs successfully in ODIs, the highest successful run chase being of 245 runs which had happened in 2017 against the same opponents.
India started its innings cautiously. With newcomer Priya Punia and comparatively experienced Jemimah Rodrigues at the crease, it was a mix of strike rotation and boundaries every now and then for India. Punia, who was playing her second ODI game, took time to settle in the middle. In the 11th over she hit 3 boundaries of Ayabonga Khaka. But a lofted shot off Ismail in the 13th over saw the end of her innings when Wolvaardt made no mistake of taking the catch. Earlier, Jemimah’s knock had also come to an end as Khaka had held on to a low catch of her own bowling.
Captain Mithali Raj and number 3 batter Punam Raut took the innings forward. They built a steady and solid partnership, scoring bulk of the runs. Both of them reached their half centuries and brought India to the cusp of victory.
Let’s take a moment and appreciate this gutsy knock!
She struggled with severe cramp pain today, but didn’t give up, batted strong and scored crucial 65 Runs in 92 balls against South Africa Women.
That’s Punam Raut for you! 🙌🙌🔥 #IndvSA #INDWvSAW pic.twitter.com/XiyjYpdrSa— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) October 11, 2019
But South Africa were back in the game when Raj and Raut fell in consecutive overs. Next, it was vice-captain Harmanpreet’s show. Her 27-ball 39 which was studded with 5 fours and the only six from India’s side, brought the team home, also providing the Baroda crowd some entertainment. India women won the match by 5 wickets in the 48th over.
South Africa’s bowling lacked discipline. Khaka got 3 wickets, the maximum of the group, but also gave most runs as well. She couldn’t control her swing and bowled too many wides. As many as 30 extras were handed to the Indian team by the Proteas bowlers out of which 29 were wide deliveries. Shabnim Ismail who was out of the game for a few overs due to discomfort, took the wicket of Punia and Marizanne Kapp scalped Mithali’s.
By winning this match, India attains an unassailable lead of 2-0 against South Africa in the 3-match series. By successfully chasing down 248 runs, the women in blue made history by completing their highest ever successful run chase in ODI history.
Just another day at the office for Mithali Raj and another feather to her cap – Crossed 3000 Runs in an ODI Chase today – Becomes first female cricketer to achieve this milestone. 🇮🇳😍#IndvSA #INDWvSAW
Stats @_hypocaust pic.twitter.com/hxOMIx2ShU— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) October 11, 2019
For their match winning partnership of 129 runs in 165 balls, captain Mithali Raj and Punam Raut were awarded the Ambuja Cement Atoot Jodi of the match. Dream 11 GameChanger award was given to Harmanpreet Kaur, courtesy her quick 39 off 27. And the player of the match medal was given to Punam Raut, who despite of having cramps, built her innings of 65 runs in the middle.
South Africa Women: 247/6 in 50 overs
India Women: 248/5 in 48 overs
Result: India Women won the match by 5 wickets with 12 balls remaining.
Player of the match: Punam Raut 65(92)
Series status: India lead the 3-match series 2-0 over South Africa.
India meet South Africa for the third and final ODI on 14th October, Monday.
INDIA Women won by 5 wickets (with 12 balls remaining) AND seal the series 2-0. #IndvSA #INDWvSAW pic.twitter.com/EjOdDtVm40
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) October 11, 2019
Loves all things female cricket