Smriti Mandhana glided to a gracefully stylish 90, anchoring India’s six-wicket victory in the third and final women’s ODI against South Africa, sealing a 3-0 series whitewash in Bengaluru on Sunday.
India finished at 220 for four in 40.4 overs, after limiting South Africa to a modest 215 for eight, despite captain Laura Wolvaardt’s staunch 61 from 57 balls, including seven fours.
Demonstrating skill and determination, India clinched a commanding six-wicket win over South Africa in today’s third women’s ODI at M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The game was marked by exceptional performances, including Smriti Mandhana’s masterful 90 runs from 83 balls. Mandhana’s graceful batting, featuring 11 boundaries, nearly earned her a third consecutive century in the series. Supported by Shafali Verma (25), Priya Punia (28), and Harmanpreet Kaur (42 off 48 balls, 2 fours), India comfortably chased down the target of 216.
South Africa’s choice to bat first ultimately benefited India, as Deepti Sharma’s spellbinding bowling limited them to 215 for eight in 50 overs. Deepti’s impressive figures of 2 for 27 highlighted her tactical prowess on a spinner-friendly pitch.
Despite losing opener Shafali Verma early, Mandhana partnered effectively with Priya Punia and later Harmanpreet Kaur, who added a vital 42 runs. Their collaboration steered India to a win with 9.2 overs remaining, demonstrating the team’s batting strength and ability to chase targets.
Laura Wolvaardt’s steady 61 and the lower order’s tenacity for South Africa were insufficient against India’s methodical play.