Mithali Raj and co. take an unassailable lead of 2-0 against South Africa

Riding on Smriti Mandhana’s heroics with the bat, Women in Blue posted a daunting total of 302-3 in 50 overs against the Proteas on Wednesday at Kimberley. The southpaw (135) continued from where she had left in the previous innings and received some solid support towards the end with middle order batswomen joining the party. India vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur remained unbeaten on 55(69) and found an able ally in Veda Krishnamurthy who muscled a quickfire 51(36). The South African bowlers had an off day with as they could manage to pick up just three Indian wickets.

Chasing 303 was going to be tough and with the batting order collapsing like a pack of cards, Proteas had a bleak chance of achieving the target. Opening bat Lizelle Lee (73) continued to fight but received no support from the other end. Indian spinners hunted in tandem and accounted for eight scalps together, with the leggie Poonam Yadav alone picking up four. The South African inning was done and dusted for a paltry 124 in 30.5 overs and India registered another comprehensive win, this time by 178 runs.

The third ODI, which will be just of academic importance, will be played on Saturday. India might look to test their bench, and an opportunity to try Jemimah Rodrigues at the top of the batting order seems to be on the cards.  

                                                                                       Source: Getty Images