Stats – Mandhana, Harmanpreet, Wolvaardt, Kapp combine to break ODI records

The second ODI between India and South Africa in the ICC Women’s Championship saw a display of exceptional cricket from both teams. Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur orchestrated a remarkable 171-run partnership, while South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp nearly matched the feat, making it a match for the ages. This clash not only thrilled fans but also shattered numerous records, highlighting the evolving dominance of women’s cricket.

India’s Historic 325 for 3: A Milestone at Home

India’s innings was monumental, as they posted their first-ever 300-plus total in a women’s ODI on home soil. The previous best was 298 for 2 against the West Indies in 2004. Mandhana and Harmanpreet’s stellar centuries were pivotal in achieving this feat. Mandhana’s 136 was particularly noteworthy, setting a new record for the highest individual score by an Indian woman in ODIs at home, surpassing her own 117 from the first ODI of the series.

Mandhana’s aggressive yet composed knock included 14 boundaries and 3 sixes, setting the tone for India’s innings. Harmanpreet complemented her with an 87-ball century, the fastest by an Indian woman in ODIs, bettering her own previous record from the 2017 World Cup semi-final against Australia.

South Africa’s Gallant Chase: A Record in Itself

South Africa’s response was nothing short of spectacular. They scored 321 for 6, the highest total in a chase in women’s ODIs. Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp both scored centuries, adding 184 runs in 170 balls for the third wicket. This effort set a new benchmark for the highest partnership in a chase, showcasing South Africa’s batting depth and resilience.

Kapp’s 85-ball hundred was the quickest by a South African woman in ODIs, outpacing Lizelle Lee’s 86-ball century against Australia in 2016. Kapp’s century was also significant as it was the first by a batter from No. 5 or lower in a women’s ODI chase, highlighting her ability to perform under pressure.

Record-Breaking Performances: Individual and Team Achievements

This match was historic not only for the team achievements but also for the individual milestones it set. Four batters scored centuries in a single women’s ODI for the first time. This feat had only been achieved thrice in men’s ODIs. Additionally, the match saw 15 sixes being hit, surpassing the previous record of 14 sixes in a women’s ODI between Australia and New Zealand in 2012.

India’s 325 for 3 is now their highest total against South Africa and the fifth-highest by any team against the Proteas in ODIs. The combined total of 646 runs in this match is the second-highest aggregate in a women’s ODI, only behind the 678 runs scored between England and South Africa during the 2017 World Cup in Bristol.

Hard-Hitting Statistics: A Deep Dive

• 118 Runs in the Last Ten Overs: India scored 118 runs in their final ten overs, with 14 fours and 5 sixes. This aggressive finish was crucial in setting a formidable total, transforming their cautious start of 47 runs in the first 15 overs.
• Harmanpreet’s Fastest Century: Harmanpreet Kaur’s 87-ball century is a new benchmark for Indian women in ODIs, showcasing her ability to accelerate the innings when required.
• Mandhana’s Successive Centuries: Smriti Mandhana became the first Indian woman to score hundreds in successive ODI innings, joining an elite group of nine other women worldwide. She now shares the record for the most ODI hundreds for India with Mithali Raj, each having seven.

Partnerships That Made History

Mandhana and Harmanpreet’s 171-run partnership was their second 150-plus stand in ODIs, making them only the third pair with multiple 150-plus partnerships for the third wicket or lower in women’s ODIs. Their synergy at the crease has been instrumental in India’s recent successes.

On the other side, Wolvaardt and Kapp’s 184-run partnership is now the highest for South Africa in a chase, breaking previous records and illustrating the batting strength of the South African women’s team.

The Importance of All-Round Performances

Marizanne Kapp’s all-round capabilities were on full display. Her innings of 114 was a blend of technical proficiency and power hitting, crucial in keeping South Africa in the hunt. Her ability to score big while batting lower in the order sets her apart as one of the most valuable players in women’s cricket.

India’s innings was bolstered by contributions from other players as well, but it was the Mandhana-Harmanpreet partnership that formed the backbone of their innings. Their ability to stabilize and then accelerate the innings was a masterclass in ODI batting.

Looking Forward: The Evolution of Women’s Cricket

This match not only highlighted the prowess of individual players but also the growing competitiveness in women’s cricket. The record-breaking feats and close finishes are indicative of the evolving standards and the increasing audience engagement in women’s matches.

As India and South Africa continue their series, the performances in this match set a high bar for the remaining games. Fans can look forward to more thrilling contests and potentially more records being broken as both teams strive to outdo each other.

The second ODI between India and South Africa was a testament to the high caliber of women’s cricket today. With remarkable individual performances and team efforts, the match was a showcase of skill, resilience, and competitive spirit. As women’s cricket continues to grow and evolve, matches like these not only entertain but also inspire future generations to take up the sport and aim for greatness. The record-breaking numbers from this match will be remembered as milestones in the history of women’s cricket, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the future.

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