While Goswami’s spell of 10-0-42-4 completely decimated the visitors, Mandhana’s knock of 80 not out, which came in just 64 deliveries, piled on the agony for the visitors.
India Women came back strongly in the ongoing five-match series against South Africa Women as they won the second ODI by nine wickets. Jhulan Goswami and Smriti Mandhana starred for the hosts as they came up with a brilliant display of bowling and batting.
While Goswami’s spell of 10-0-42-4 completely decimated the visitors, Mandhana’s 80 not out, off just 64 deliveries, piled on the agony for the visitors. Spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad also bowled brilliantly as her excellent spell of 9-0-37-3 helped the hosts in bowling South Africa out for just a paltry total of 157.
In response, India lost Jemimah Rodrigues in the fifth over of the innings, but the Indian Eves looked absolutely unstoppable once Punam Raut joined Smriti Mandhana. Mandhana and Raut complemented each other, Mandhana taking charge, Raut playing second fiddle.
In the end, India took just 28.4 overs to chase down the target as Mandhana (80) and Raut (62) returned unbeaten until the end. While Raut hit eight fours, Mandhana’s swashbuckling knock consisted of 10 fours and three sixes.
As far as the South African bowlers are considered, Shabnim Ismail got the only wicket, but she was expensive, going for eight an over during her six-over spell.
Earlier, the visitors came up with a disappointing batting display, more so given how they performed in the first match. They lost both openers – Laura Wolvaardt (9) and Lizelle Lee (4) – early, and found themselves on the backfoot right from the start.
Sune Luus (36) and Lara Goodall (49) steadied things with a 60-run stand for the third wicket. However, the batting collapsed once Luus departed in the 21st over of the innings. South Africa lost their next seven wickets for just 77 runs as none of their other batters were able to bide their time at the crease.
Apart from Goswami and Gayakwad, Mansi Joshi (2-23) and Harmanpreet Kaur (1-0) found themselves among the wickets. Goswami was adjudged Player of the Match as a result of her fine bowling effort. India have now levelled the series 1-1, setting up the third match quite nicely.