Smriti Mandhana's Ton And Spinners Seal India's Massive Win In 1st ODI

Smriti Mandhana's determined century and a disciplined bowling performance, led by spinners Deepti Sharma and Asha Shobana, propelled India to a commanding 143-run victory over South Africa in the first women's ODI at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday.

India now lead the three-match series 1-0, with the second game scheduled for June 19 at the same venue. Mandhana's sixth ODI century (117 off 127 balls, including 12 fours and one six) was pivotal in India's competitive total of 265 for eight on a sluggish pitch.

The Indian bowlers then dismantled the South African batting lineup, bowling them out for 122. Debutante leg-spinner Asha Shobana led the charge with an economical spell of 4/21, well-supported by off-spinner Deepti Sharma (2/10). Pacer Renuka Singh (1/30) set the tone by dismissing South Africa's skipper Laura Wolvaardt in the first over.

Wolvaardt was bowled by an excellent nip-backer from Renuka that clipped the top of her off-stump. The Indian bowlers soon claimed the wickets of Tazmin Brits and Anneke Bosch, reducing South Africa to 33 for three.

Marizane Kapp (24 off 39 balls) attempted to revive the innings with Sune Luus, who scored 33. However, their fourth-wicket partnership of 39 runs took 68 balls, causing the required run rate to climb above seven.

Asha Shobana ended their resistance by having Kapp caught at covers by Harmanpreet Kaur. At five down for 74, South Africa faced an uphill battle.

Earlier, Mandhana's well-paced hundred thrilled the home crowd. She formed two crucial partnerships with Deepti Sharma (37 off 48 balls) and Pooja Vastrakar (31 not out) to rescue India from a precarious position at 99 for five.

Mandhana and Deepti added 81 runs off 92 balls for the sixth wicket. Pooja, who later left the field with a knee niggle while fielding, assisted Mandhana in adding 58 runs off 54 balls for the seventh wicket.

Mandhana had to adapt her natural flair due to the team's situation and the sluggish pitch. Top-order batters like Shafali Verma (7), Harmanpreet Kaur (10), and Jemimah Rodrigues (17) struggled to adapt, leading to their dismissals.

Mandhana was on 33 when India's fifth wicket fell. She preserved her wicket and largely accumulated runs through nips and tucks but also capitalised on width when offered. Her swivel pull off debutant pacer Anne Dercksen and a shimmy down the track to deposit off-spinner Nondumiso Shangase over mid-on showcased her elegance.

Deepti Sharma played a confident innings, making Mandhana's job easier. She picked her bowlers well and accumulated runs efficiently. Deepti particularly targeted Shangase, sweeping her for all three boundaries.

However, Deepti was undone by low bounce as she dragged pacer Ayabonga Khaka's wide delivery onto her stumps. Mandhana continued her solid performance, reaching 99 off 115 balls with a beautifully timed six off pacer Masabata Klaas over mid-on.

She took a single on Klaas' next ball to reach her century in 116 balls. Although Mandhana soon fell to Klaas, she had already helped India reach a substantial total.