In the third and final ODI of the series between India Women and South Africa, Smriti Mandhana displayed her exceptional batting abilities by scoring 90 runs off 83 balls. Her elegant innings played a pivotal role in India's six-wicket victory, leading them to a clean sweep of 3-0 in the series held in Bengaluru on Sunday.
Throughout the series, Mandhana showcased her skill and consistency, accumulating a total of 343 runs at an impressive average of 114.33. Her performance was instrumental in guiding India to victory in the final match, as well as in the series as a whole. With support from her teammates, Mandhana successfully chased down the target of 216 set by South Africa, securing the win for India.
Opening the innings alongside Shafali Verma, Mandhana built a solid foundation with a 61-run partnership. After Verma's departure, Priya Punia (28 runs) continued the momentum with Mandhana, adding another 62 runs for the second wicket. Harmanpreet Kaur (42 not out off 48 balls) then joined Mandhana to ensure a smooth chase, forging an unbeaten 54-run partnership for the third wicket.
Throughout her innings, Mandhana displayed her trademark shots around the Chinnaswamy Stadium, including swivel pulls, cover drives, straight drives, and delicate late cuts. Despite missing out on a century when she was dismissed trying to sweep left-arm spinner Nonku Mlaba, her innings were crucial in securing India's victory.
Earlier in the match, Indian bowlers showed resilience after a strong start by South Africa, restricting them to 215/8. South African openers Laura Wolvaardt (61 runs) and Tazmin Brits (38 runs) had provided a solid start with a century partnership, but India's bowlers fought back admirably. Arundhati Reddy (2/36) and Deepti Sharma (2/27) were particularly effective, taking crucial wickets to derail South Africa's innings.
Despite a brief resistance, South Africa lost wickets in quick succession, collapsing from 102/0 to 215/8, unable to capitalise on their strong start.
Overall, India's comprehensive performance in both batting and bowling departments ensured a convincing victory and sealed the series sweep against South Africa, highlighting their dominance in the women's ODI cricket.