Tue Apr 29 05:10:00 UTC 2025: **India Edges South Africa in Thrilling Women’s ODI Match**
**Bengaluru, India –** India secured a thrilling 15-run victory over South Africa in their second match of the Women’s Tri-Series on Tuesday, thanks to a stunning five-wicket haul by spinner Sneha Rana and a solid 78-run knock by Pratibha Rawal.
Rawal continued her impressive form, scoring 78 runs off 91 balls, helping India post a competitive 276/6 after electing to bat first. Other notable contributions came from Smriti Mandhana (36), Jemimah Rodrigues (41), Harmanpreet Kaur (41*), Harleen Deol (29), and Richa Ghosh (24). Nonkululeko Mlaba was the most successful South African bowler with 2/55.
However, it was Rana who stole the show. In a remarkable display of spin bowling, she claimed three wickets in a single over – the 48th – ultimately finishing with figures of 5/43 from 10 overs. Her spell turned the match decisively in India’s favor.
South Africa’s chase got off to a strong start, with Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt putting on a 140-run opening partnership. Brits, playing aggressively, scored 108 runs before retiring hurt due to cramps. Wolvaardt contributed 43 runs before being dismissed by Deepti Sharma. Despite Brits’ impressive effort and Wolvaardt’s contribution, South Africa eventually fell short, finishing on 261/10 in 49.2 overs. Their final five wickets tumbled for only 21 runs.
Apart from Rana’s heroics, Arundhati Reddy (1/59) and Shriya Charani (1/51) also made crucial contributions with the ball for India.
India’s victory marks their second consecutive win in the tournament, following their triumph over Sri Lanka on Sunday. Rana was rightfully named Player of the Match for her match-winning performance.
First Piper 