Smriti Mandhana has carved her place in cricketing history with a remarkable display, setting a new record for the most runs by a woman player in a three-match bilateral ODI series. The Indian vice-captain achieved this milestone during India's thrilling third ODI against South Africa in Bengaluru. A great series win.
On to the Tests. Proud of this team!😇 — Smriti Mandhana (@mandhana_smriti) Mandhana's innings of 90 runs off 83 balls, embellished with 11 fours, propelled her to this feat, maintaining a striking rate of 108.43.
Her performances in the earlier ODIs were equally impactful: she scored 117 runs in the first match and an impressive 136 runs in the second, accumulating a staggering 343 runs across the series. Her average of 114.33 and a strike rate over 103 included two centuries and a fifty, earning her well-deserved accolades as the 'Player of the Series' as India clinched a convincing 3-0 victory over South Africa.
Previously, the record for the most runs in a bilateral ODI series by a woman player was held by Australia's Karen Rolton, who amassed 394 runs in six ODIs against New Zealand in 2004, boasting an impressive average of 197.00 with one century and three fifties, her highest score being an unbeaten 102*. In the crucial third ODI clash between India and South Africa, South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first.
Laura Woolvadrt's brisk 61 off 57 balls and Tazmin Brits' rapid 38 off 26 deliveries provided a solid start for South Africa with a 102-.
