India achieved victory over South Africa

India clinched a thrilling victory over South Africa despite remarkable centuries from Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp, securing a 2-0 lead in the ICC Women’s Championship (2022-25) One-Day International (ODI) series in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur starred with centuries as India set a daunting target of 325/3, responding to which South Africa fought bravely but fell just short, finishing at 321/6 after 50 overs.

Opting to bowl first, South Africa's bowlers started well, restricting India to 28/0 in the first 10 overs. Nonkululeko Mlaba (2/51) made the breakthrough by dismissing Shafali Verma (20). Mandhana then anchored the innings alongside Dayalan Hemalatha (24), pushing India forward with a 62-run partnership before Hemalatha fell to Masabata Klaas (1/67).

Harmanpreet Kaur joined Mandhana, and they accelerated India's innings with a 171-run partnership. Both scored centuries, with Mandhana (136 off 120 balls) and Kaur (103* off 88 balls) setting the stage for a formidable total. Richa Ghosh's brisk 25* helped India reach 325/3.

In response, South Africa began cautiously but lost early wickets. Arundhati Reddy (1/62) removed Tazmin Brits (5) early, and despite brief contributions from Anneke Bosch (18) and Suné Luus (12), South Africa found themselves at 67/3. Wolvaardt and Kapp then mounted a strong partnership, with Kapp scoring a rapid century (114 off 94 balls), her third in ODIs.

With the target within reach, Pooja Vastrakar (2/54) struck crucial blows in the final over, dismissing Nadine de Klerk (28) and Nondumiso Shangase (0) in consecutive balls. Despite Wolvaardt unbeaten 135 and Kapp's heroics, South Africa fell short by four runs, ending at 321/6.

The series now moves to its final ODI on Sunday, June 23, at the same venue, where South Africa will aim to bounce back and salvage a win against India.