The Indian women’s cricket team kicked off their preparations for the upcoming ICC 50-over World Cup with a thrilling win over South Africa in their first warm-up game on Sunday.
Harmanpreet Kaur, who had returned to form with her first 50 in 12 months during the last ODI against New Zealand, slammed a 119-ball 114 to help India to a narrow two-run win over South Africa. The innings will calm team management’s nerves as she remains a key player in India’s World Cup campaign.
However, India suffered an injury scare during the game when opening star Smriti Mandhana, 12, was hit in the head by a Shabnim Ismail bouncer and had to retire injured.
Yastika Bhatia opened the innings and won before the actual tournament with a 78-ball 58 rhythm, but the team didn’t get the momentum in the final overs to finish at 244 for nine after being told to bat first.
Rajeshwari Gayakwad (4/46) defended the total and returned with a four-wicket move to stop South Africa at 242 for seven, despite some good work from opener Laura Wolvaardt (75), Sune Luus (94) and Marizanne Kapp (31). .
Ayabonga Khaka (3/23) was the most successful bowler for South Africa.
India meet arch-rivals Pakistan in the campaign opener on March 6 and Bismah Maroof’s side prepare for the 50-over spectacle with a four-wicket win over New Zealand in another training game at Lincoln.
Pakistan opted for the bowl, beating New Zealand with 229 points in 45 overs. He then stormed home in the last over, scoring 233 points in six in 49.2 overs.
Nashra Sandhu (4/32) shone with a four-wicket move for Pakistan, while Amy Satterthwaite (80) and Maddy Green (58) scored the majority of runs for the White Ferns, who crossed for two at 142 before hitting six lost wickets for 30 runs.
Jess Kerr hit an unbeaten 34 of 27 balls to bring them to a challenging total.
In response, Pakistan were at times 46 to 3, needing almost seven overs in the last 10 overs to reach the goal. Aliya Riaz (62) and Nida Dar (54) then hit eight boundaries to finish the job.
Short scores: India: 244 for 9 in 50 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 114, Yastika Bhatia 58; Ayabonga Khaka 3/23)
South Africa: 242 for 7 in 50 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 75, Sune Luus 94; Rajeshwari Gayakwad 4/46)
New Zealand: 229 all-outs in 45 overs (Satterthwaite 80, Maddy Green 58; Nashra Sandhu 4/32)
Pakistan: 233 for 6 in 49.2 overs (Aliya Riaz 62, Nida Dar 54; Jess Kaur 2/30).
