India women beat South Africa in 2nd ODI to level series

Indian  women's cricket team beat South Africa on Tuesday registering a nine-wicket victory in the second game and level the five-match women’s ODI series 1-1 at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana International Stadium in Lucknow. Chasing 158 for victory, India rode on the 2nd-wicket unbroken partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Punam Raut to cross the finish line in 28.4 overs. Mandhana remained unbeaten on 80 off 64 balls with 10 fours and 3 sixes while Raut scored 62 not out off 89 balls. The partnership worth 138 off 152 helped India register its biggest win (in terms of ball remaining) against South Africa in women's cricket.

Jhulan Goswami displayed her guile after Mithali Raj elected to bat. The tall pacer exploited life on the black soil turf to take 4/42, helping to dismiss the Proteas for 157 in 41 overs. India reached 160/1 in replay. Goswami, who was named player-of-the-match, and seamer Mansi Joshi, removed the openers cheaply and then made inroads in the middle-overs. Left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad bagged 3/37 while Harmanpreet Kaur bowled top-scorer Laura Goodall bowling her only over of part-time. South Africa were bowled out for 157 in 41 overs by India, 

BRIEF SCORES

India 160/1 in 28.4 overs (S Mandhana 80*, P Raut 62*) beat South Africa 157 all out in 41 overs (S Luus 36, L Goodall 49, J Goswami 4/42, R Gayakwad 3/37, M Joshi 2/23) by nine wickets.