Rana’s maiden fifer helps India triumph despite Brits ton
The India women continued their unbeaten run in the ongoing Women’s Tri-nation ODI series defeating South Africa by 15 runs in a closely contested game at the R. Premadasa Stadium yesterday.
Sneh Rana was the star performer for India as she picked up a maiden fifer to prevent the Proteas women from chasing down the 277-run target.
Batting first, India top order batters fired, with Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana giving a good start once again and adding 83 for the first wicket. Harleen Deol (29), Jemimah Rodrigues (41), skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (41) and Richa Ghosh (24) played quick-fire knocks to help India reach 276/6 in 50 overs.
The Proteas, too, had a stellar start with Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt adding 140 for the first wicket. Although, Brits went on to score a century (109 off 107), the middle order failed to lift the team. Rana picked up four wickets in the last 10 overs alone to puncture the Proteas chase which was looking in a comfortable spot at the 40 over mark.
In the end, Wolvaardt’s side fell short by 15 runs.
India’s net run rate of +0.750 might hold them in good stead if they face any hiccups and the situation gets tricky.
India will next play Sri Lanka on 4 May.
