Mithali, Raut seal series against SA

Vadodara, October 11

Skipper Mithali Raj and Punam Raut smashed impressive fifties to guide the Indian women’s team to a series-clinching five-wicket win over South Africa in the second ODI. 

India restricted South Africa to 247/6 after electing to field and then overhauled the target with two overs to spare to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Pacer Shikha Pandey (2/38), left-arm spinner Ekta Bist (2/45) and leg-spinner Poonam Yadav (2/42) picked up two wickets each to keep the visitors to a below-par score. 

Chasing 248 to win the match, India lost openers Priya Punia (20) and Jemimah Rodrigues (18) early to slip to 66/2 in 12.5 overs. 

However, Punam (65) and Mithali (66) resurrected the chase by sharing a 129-run partnership for the third wicket. 

Marizanne Kapp (1/29) broke the stand when she had Mithali caught by Laura Wolvaardt in the 40th over. In the next over, Punam holed out to Kapp off Ayabonga Khaka, leaving India at 196/4 in 40.1 overs. Harmanpreet Kaur then hit an unbeaten 27-ball 39, laced with five boundaries and a six, to take India home with 12 balls to spare. 

The third and final ODI will be played on October 14.

Brief Scores: South Africa: 247/6 in 50 overs (L Wolvaardt 69, Mignon du Preez 44; S Pandey 2/38); India: 248/5 in 48 overs (P Raut 65, M Raj 66; A Khaka 3/69). — PTI