On Sunday, Smriti Mandhana, the opener for India, made history by becoming the second-highest run-scorer for the nation. Her remarkable century against South Africa propelled her past the 7000-run mark, placing her alongside former Indian star Mithali Raj in the prestigious list. Mandhana’s outstanding knock of 117 off 127 deliveries elevated her overall international tally to 7,059 runs. However, her global record is surpassed only by former captain Mithali’s impressive 10,868 runs.
Meanwhile, India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur is not far behind in achieving this remarkable feat. With 6,870 runs across all formats in the international circuit, she has the potential to accomplish this milestone in the ongoing series against South Africa. Notably, the Indian vice-captain achieved her sixth ODI century, which also happens to be her first on home soil. Surpassing skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s record of five centuries, her remarkable feat is only surpassed by Mithali’s seven centuries.
Mithali achieved the milestone of seven centuries after playing 211 innings, while Harmanpreet accomplished the feat in 112 innings with five centuries. In contrast, Mandhana showcased her exceptional batting skills by reaching six hundreds in just 83 innings.
Despite India’s initial struggle to score runs after choosing to bat, Mandhana seized every opportunity that came her way, ensuring that the team remained in a favorable position.
When South Africa managed to reduce India to 99/5, Mandhana’s aggressive innings helped the hosts recover from a challenging situation.
Mandhana and Deepti Sharma formed a crucial partnership of 50 runs, maintaining the momentum for India. However, Khaka provided a significant breakthrough for her team by dismissing Deepti for 37, claiming her second wicket of the match.
In the 43rd over, Mandhana displayed her brilliance once again by reaching her sixth ODI century and her first ODI hundred on home soil.
Unfortunately, Mandhana’s outstanding knock of 117 runs came to an end when she attempted to pull the ball towards the backward square leg fence but ended up giving an easy catch to Sune Luus.
In the last over, India managed to gather 12 runs to take India’s score to 265/8.