The Indian women’s cricket team is currently hosting South Africa for a multi-format series from June 16 to July 9. So far, India has swept the three-match One Day International (ODI) series 3-0 and now shifts their focus to the longer format of the game. In the post-match presentation, captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana reflected on the team’s performance in the ODI series.
Both Kaur and Mandhana had an excellent series against the Proteas, performing exceptionally well with the bat. Mandhana also claimed her maiden wicket on the international stage. Mandhana scored a record 343 runs while Kaur scored 155 runs, both ranking among the top three run-scorers of the series. The vice-captain made two centuries (117 and 136) and one half-century (90), while the captain scored one century (103). Both created various records and milestones during the series.
In the post-match presentation, Harmanpreet Kaur praised the bowling performance of her team, she acknowledged the challenging conditions and emphasized that despite the difficulties, the bowlers performed exceptionally well. She also expressed her confidence in her bowling unit, she praised the bowlers for their exceptional performance in challenging conditions and expressed her trust in them. She credited the bowlers for their outstanding efforts during the series.
Quoting Harmanpreet, “The way our bowlers bowled in this series, credit goes to them. They were outstanding. These conditions aren’t the easiest for the bowlers. I have trust in all the bowlers.”
The Indian bowlers performed exceptionally well in this series, collectively taking 21 wickets, this includes Smriti Mandhana’s maiden international wicket. Deepti Sharma led the series with six wickets, while spinner Asha Sobhana and fast bowler Pooja Vastrakar followed with four wickets each.
Mandhana’s maiden international wicket came in the 2nd ODI against the Proteas on June 19, 2024. She dismissed Suné Luus, who scored 12 off 13 balls, off her second delivery. Luus edged a wide ball outside off to wicketkeeper Richa Gosh. Mandhana finished with figures of 1/13 off her 2 overs.
Smriti humorously acknowledged her bowling performance, she referred to her previous match where she got lucky and took a wicket, which was a pleasant surprise. Smriti added that it’s always good to have a different skill, indicating that despite the mixed results, she appreciates the opportunity to contribute in various ways on the field.
Smriti Mandhana reflects on her innings and a surprise bowling stint. 😃#CricketTwitter #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/2InQ7fcB3X
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) June 23, 2024
Smriti stated, “After today’s over, I don’t think I’m getting bowling again. Got lucky with a wicket last game, but it’s always good to add a different skill.”
After the three-match ODI series, both teams will compete in a one-off, four-day red-ball Test match from June 28 to July 1, followed by three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) from July 5 to July 9, all taking place in Chennai.