India levelled the series against South Africa with a nine-wicket win in the 2nd ODI in Lucknow.

In the 2nd ODI between India and South Africa, India won the toss electing to bowl first. Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt both went early, before Sune Luus and Lara Goodall put on a 60-run partnership. Luus was dismissed caught behind for 36 runs, when the score was on 80.

Goodall played very well for her 49, before being bowled by Harmanpreet Kaur. She sunk in despair, absolutely distraught when she was dismissed. This would’ve been a much needed 50 for her, however, she, unfortunately, fell 1 run short. The Luus-Goodall partnership was the only notable one throughout the innings, and the middle-to-lower order failed to contribute anything of significance.

The Indian bowlers bowled incredibly well, with Jhulan Goswami picking up 4 wickets and Rajeshwari Gayakwad picking up 3. The Momentum Proteas were bowled out for 157 in 41 overs.

India then came out to chase 158, with Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana opening the innings. Shabnim Ismail bowled Rodrigues for 9, which was the only wicket of the innings. Mandhana played an excellent innings, hitting shots all around the ground, with 10 fours and 3 sixes. She also had a very impressive strike rate of 125, scoring 80 runs off 64 balls. Punam Raut also played her hand in the partnership, scoring 62 runs off 89 balls.

The Indians chased the score down comfortably, reaching 160 with 21.2 overs to spare. They won emphatically by 9 wickets.

Photo: Cricket South Africa