Indian, South African Women Cricketers Record Historic ODI Scores

In an unprecedented event in women’s cricket history, the Indian and South African teams collectively achieved four centuries in a single One Day International (ODI) match on June 19 at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

India’s Smriti Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur led the charge with stellar performances, scoring 136 and 103 runs respectively. Mandhana reached another milestone, becoming the first Indian woman to score consecutive ODI centuries, tying with former captain Mithali Raj’s record of seven centuries in the 50-over format. Their impressive batting guided India to a thrilling four-run victory.

On the South African side, Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp delivered equally formidable performances, scoring 135 and 114 runs respectively. Despite their valiant efforts, South Africa fell just short of the 326-run target, with India’s Pooja Vastrakar clinching the win with an exceptional final over.

A Milestone in Women’s Cricket

For the first time in 51 years of women’s cricket, four batters scored centuries in a single game. This feat was previously touched in a 2018 match between England and South Africa, where Tammy Beaumont, Sarah Taylor, and Lizelle Lee each scored centuries. In men’s ODIs, such an occurrence has happened thrice.

The match was also remarkable for the number of sixes hit: 15 in total, with eight by India—setting a new record for the team in an ODI. The combined total of 646 runs scored in the game marks the second-highest aggregate in a Women’s ODI, just behind the 678 runs scored during the 2017 World Cup match between England and South Africa.

South Africa’s Record-Breaking Chase

South Africa also etched their name in the record books by scoring 321 runs for 6, the highest total by any team in a chase in women’s ODIs. This surpassed their previous record of 305 for 9 against England in 2017 and 305 for 4 by Sri Lanka earlier this year while chasing South Africa’s 302.

This historic match not only highlighted the incredible talent and competitive spirit of the Indian and South African women’s cricket teams but also underscored the growing prominence of women’s cricket on the international stage. Fans and aspiring cricketers are celebrating this monumental achievement, which signifies a bright future for the sport

Re-reported from the article originally published in Shethepeople.