ICC women’s World cup: India to two-run win over South Africa in warm-up match

Rangiora (New Zealand): Star batter Harmanpreet Kaur struck form with a timely hundred as India eked out a narrow two-run win over South Africa in a warm-up match of the ICC Women’s World Cup here on Sunday. The India vice-captain, who had regained some form with her first fifty in 12 months during the final […]

Rangiora (New Zealand): Star batter Harmanpreet Kaur struck form with a timely hundred as India eked out a narrow two-run win over South Africa in a warm-up match of the ICC Women’s World Cup here on Sunday.

The India vice-captain, who had regained some form with her first fifty in 12 months during the final ODI against New Zealand, slammed a 119-ball 114 with the help of 11 boundaries. The innings will calm the nerves of the team management as she remains a key player for India’s World Cup campaign.

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India, however, suffered a injury scare during the game when star opener Smriti Mandhana (12) was struck on the head by a bouncer from Shabnim Ismail and was forced to retire hurt.

Opening the innings, Yastika Bhatia gained rhythm ahead of the tournament proper with a 78-ball 58 but the team didn’t get the impetus in the final overs to end at 244 for nine after being invited to bat first.

Defending the total, Rajeshwari Gayakwad (4/46) returned with a four-wicket haul to stop South Africa at 242 for seven, despite some good work from opener Laura Wolvaardt (75), Sune Luus (94) and Marizanne Kapp (31). Ayabonga Khaka (3/23) was the most successful bowler for South Africa.

India will face arch-rivals Pakistan in their campaign opener on March 6 and Bismah Maroof’s team geared up for the 50-over showpiece with a four-wicket win over New Zealand in another practice game in Lincoln.

Brief Scores: India 244/9 in 50 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 114, Yastika Bhatia 58; Ayabonga Khaka 3/23) bt South Africa: 242/7 in 50 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 75, Sune Luus 94; Rajeshwari Gayakwad 4/46)

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