Smriti Mandhana becomes the first cricketer to score 10 consecutive fifties while chasing

India’s swashbuckling batswoman Smriti Mandhana has created a new world record. The flamboyant left-hander has become the first cricketer to score 10 consecutive fifties while chasing in the 50-overs format. Mandhana leapfrogged the previous record of New Zealand’s batswoman Suzie Bates, who had scored nine consecutive half-centuries while chasing.

Mandhana achieved the coveted milestone when she smashed an unbeaten knock of 80 runs off just 64 balls against South Africa at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Tuesday. The southpaw scored 10 fours and three maximum in her blistering knock.

Thus, India’s Women team defeated the Proteas convincingly by nine wickets as they chased 158 in 28.4 overs. Apart from Mandhana, Punam Raut scored 62 runs from 89 balls to help her team chase down the total.

Meanwhile, Mandhana’s stupendous run started back in 2018 when she scored 67 runs off 53 deliveries against Australia Woman in Vadodara. Since then, she has registered scores of 52, 86, 53*, 73*, 105, 90*, 63, 74, and 80* while batting in the second innings.

On the other hand, India’s veteran fast bowler Jhulan Goswami was the pick of the bowlers as she snared four wickets for 42 runs in her 10-overs quota. Thus, Goswami was awarded the Player of the Match for her fine performance.

“We didn’t discuss the defeat much. We wanted to focus on the basics and get back to shape as quickly as possible. We worked on the basics and it showed on the field,” said Jhulan Goswami.

South Africa Women team had won the first ODI by eight wickets as India could only manage 177-9 in their 50 overs. However, the hosts were able to bounce back in style in the second game.

On the other hand, the Indian Women team will face England in a one-off Test match later in the year, the BCCI secretary Jay Shah has announced.

The third ODI between India Women and South Africa Women team will take place on Friday at the same venue of Lucknow.