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[Watch] Smriti Mandhana Rare Bowling Spell Knocks Over South Africa In 5th ODI

Kaushik Kashyap

Smriti Mandhana vs SA. [Source - Fancode/x.com]Smriti Mandhana vs SA. [Source - Fancode/x.com]

In a dramatic turn of events, Smriti Mandhana stunned everyone by rolling her arm over for a bowling spell against South Africa on Wednesday. This rare spectacle took place in the recently concluded fifth match of the ongoing ODI Tri-series in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Mandhana's Bowling Cameo

With India defending a formidable total of 338, South Africa was steadily chasing, having crossed the halfway mark with 20 overs to go and six wickets in hand. They were in the middle of a steady partnership for the fifth wicket and in what was a surprising move, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur handed the ball to Mandhana ahead of the 32nd over.

Renowned for playing masterful innings at the top of the order for India, Mandhana's right-arm medium pace was an unexpected tactic from the Women in Blue. She bowled two economical overs, conceding just 12 runs when the required rate was above 9.

And eventually the move worked out as Shree Charani broke the growing partnership after an over, shifting the momentum decisively towards India. The bowlers built on that breakthrough, eventually restricting South Africa, securing a 23-run win.

India Clinch Tri-Series Final Spot

Earlier, after being put in to bat, Mandhana started well, scoring her maiden half-century of the series. However, India were in a spot of bother, losing three early wickets with just 50 on the board.

Then Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma came to the rescue as the duo stiched a 122-run partnership with Jemimah notching up a commanding century, while Deepti fell agonizingly short at 93 off 84 balls.

India went on to post a formidable total on the board and the bowlers kept the momentum going, delivering under pressure and wrapping up a much needed win to seal their place in the Tri-series Final, scheduled to take place on Sunday.