India Women secured a comprehensive 3-0 series victory over South Africa Women with a six-wicket win in the third and final One-Day International at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This dominant performance underscores India Women’s strength and sets a positive tone for their upcoming matches.

Match Summary: Third ODI

India Women clinched the series with a convincing win, chasing down South Africa’s total of 215 with ease. The victory was highlighted by stellar performances from key players, ensuring a clean sweep. The final score read India 220/4 in 40.4 overs, marking their 10th ODI clean sweep.

Smriti Mandhana’s stellar performance

Smriti Mandhana was the star of the series, continuing her remarkable form with yet another match-winning knock. Mandhana fell just short of her third consecutive century, scoring 90 runs, but her contributions were pivotal in securing the victory. But her 90 made it 343 runs for the series, as she once again regaled the Chinnaswamy crowd with some pristine strokeplay.

Key moments in the 3rd ODI

The match started with a solid opening partnership between Mandhana and Shafali Verma, who laid a strong foundation. Despite early wickets, including the dismissals of Shafali and Priya Punia, the Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur steadied the ship with a crucial 48-ball 52.

South Africa’s batting performance

Opting to bat first, South Africa got off to a promising start with a 100-run stand between Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits. However, after Wolvaardt’s dismissal for 49, the Indian bowlers took control, restricting South Africa to a below-par total of 215.

India’s bowling attack

India’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance. Deepti Sharma led the attack, claiming two crucial wickets in the 43rd over and finishing with figures of 2/24. Pooja Vastrakar and Shreyanka Patil also contributed significantly, ensuring South Africa couldn’t build on their initial momentum.

Chasing the target

India’s chase began on a steady note, with Mandhana and Verma putting up a solid opening stand. Despite losing Verma for 25 and Punia cheaply, Mandhana continued her fine form, driving and pulling elegantly. She was well-supported by Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues, who ensured there were no further hiccups.

Impact of Mandhana’s dismissal

Mandhana’s dismissal at 90, just 10 runs short of a century, was a significant moment. Attempting a sweep, she top-edged to be caught by Ayabonga Khaka off Nonkululeko Mlaba. Despite this, her innings had already laid the groundwork for a comfortable chase.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership

Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership was instrumental throughout the series. Her composed knock of 42 and strategic decisions on the field showcased her ability to guide the team under pressure. Kaur’s calmness and experience were crucial in steering India to victory.

3-Match ODIs Series

India Women dominated the series with both bat and ball. The comprehensive performances across all matches highlight the team’s depth and preparedness. This series win not only boosts their confidence but also strengthens their position in women’s cricket globally.

This clean sweep marks India Women’s 10th in ODIs, a testament to their growing dominance in the format. Comparatively, this performance stands out as one of their most convincing series wins, showcasing the progress made over the years.

Next up, both teams will travel to Chennai for a one-off Test match, followed by a three-match T20I series.