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In a thrilling display of skill and perseverance, Smriti Mandhana, the vice-captain of the India women’s cricket team, delivered a stunning performance with the bat against South Africa in the ongoing second ODI of the three-match series. The match, held at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday (June 19), witnessed Mandhana reaching her seventh century in ODIs, a feat that equaled former India captain Mithali Raj’s record for the most centuries in the 50-over format for the Women in Blue.
Mandhana’s century came off just 103 balls, highlighted by one six and an impressive tally of 12 boundaries. Her innings were a masterclass in timing and technique, solidifying her reputation as one of the finest left-handed batswomen in contemporary cricket. The crowd erupted with applause as she reached the milestone during the 39th over of India’s innings, gracefully acknowledging the support from fans and teammates alike.
Adding to her stellar performance, Mandhana had earlier scored a brilliant 117 runs off 127 deliveries in the series opener against the Proteas, setting the tone for India Women’s commanding 143-run victory to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Known for her consistency and ability to perform under pressure, Mandhana’s contribution not only bolstered India’s batting line-up but also underscored her importance as a key player in international cricket. Her achievements resonate deeply with Bengaluru fans, who remember her pivotal role in securing a WPL title for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the T20 tournament’s second season.
As she continues to make significant strides in her career, Smriti Mandhana remains a formidable force on the field, inspiring young cricketers and fans alike with her talent and determination. Her partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur and the rest of the team promises exciting prospects for India in the remainder of the series and beyond.
