India seal series with clinical show against South Africa Women in 2nd ODI

The Indian women's cricket team pitched in with yet another clinical display as they sealed the three-match ODI series against South Africa with a comfortable 5-wicket win at Vadodra in the 2nd ODI.

Opting to bowl first, the Indian seamers were unable to create much of an impact upfront with the new ball, as the duo of Jhulan Goswami and Shikha Pandey leaked runs, allowing the Proteas openers to get to 76 for no loss with 16 overs. However, once the spinners were introduced into the attack, the run flow was choked, with Ekta Bisht and Poonam Yadav keeping a tight check on the scoreboard.

Deepti Sharma had a rare off day, as she was inconsistent in her line and lengths, giving away easy scoring deliveries. Mignon du Preez latched on to the opportunity, smashing two fours and one six en route 44 that came in 48 deliveries. Lara Goodall too made merry, as Harmanpreet Kaur remained not out scoring 39 off just 27 balls.

South Africa eventually managed 247 for 6 in their 50 overs, and it was game on after the Indian opening duo of Jemimah Rodrigues and Priya Punia - the stars of the first ODI - departed early on. Skipper Mithali Raj, however, played the perfect anchor's knock with the help of Punam Raut, steadying the ship and taking the target close to the 200-run mark. Raj fell for 66 attempting a big hit.

The South Africans were back in the game as India lost 3 wickets for just 17 runs, but the calm head of Harmanpreet, who smashed 39 off just 27 with the help of five fours and one six, took India over the line with 5 wickets and 2 overs to spare.

India, thus, took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, with the last ODI scheduled for Monday, October 14 at the Reliance Stadium at Vadodra.

Brief Scores: India Women (248/5, Mithali Raj 66, Ayabonga Khaka 3/69) won against South Africa Woman (Laura Wolvaardt 69, Poonam Yadav 2/42) by 5 wickets.