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At Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium India’s women’s cricket team demonstrated a forceful show as they delivered their fifth match of the Tri-Series. The star batter Jemimah Rodrigues contributed her spectacular century to help India reach 337/9. The Indian national cricket team used their opponents’ weaknesses to build solid partnerships during their comeback from an early struggle. The absence of crucial players alongside weakened mental state has placed significant pressure on the Proteas women to pursue their remaining T20WC qualifying hopes through successful target chasing.
Rodrigues Leads the Charge with a Stunning Ton
As India’s fourth batswoman Jemimah Rodrigues claimed hero status by making a breathtaking 123-run innings with 15 boundaries and one six. Three early powerplay wickets did not faze Rodrigues who used her gentle and forceful batting to calm down India’s innings. Rodrigues scored her second ODI century while playing a critical role in improving her team’s fortunes.
Key Partnerships Anchor India’s Innings
Rodrigues received powerful backing from both Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma throughout her innings. Mandhana (51 off 6 boundaries) and Rodrigues came together for an 88-run stand to steer India’s recovery. A partnership between Deepti Sharma and Rodrigues extended India’s dominance through a 122-run collaboration. Sharma maintained an outstanding batting performance with her 93 runs from 84 balls which included 10 boundaries and 2 additional sixes but failed to reach a century.
Proteas Struggle Without Captain Wolvaardt
The South African national cricket team felt the effects of Laura Wolvaardt’s illness since she was unable to play. Under pressure the team displayed fragmented play along with multiple dropped catches and numerous fielding errors. Klaas (2/51) and de Klerk (2/54) delivered solid performances but the rest of the South African bowlers failed to generate dangerous line and length. Nonkululeko Mlaba allowed 71 runs while giving up two wickets during her eight-over spell against India’s batters.
Steep Chase Ahead for South Africa
At the top of South Africa’s batting order Tazmin Brits joins Lara Goodall alongside debutant Miane Smit who will bat at position four. A victory today is vital for the Proteas to qualify for Sunday’s final while they must execute their run chase perfectly despite India’s big total.
India with a clinical win over South Africa to secure their place in the tri-series final 👌#SAvIND 📝: https://t.co/Qymb9EDfBX pic.twitter.com/EOuthJCoZK
— আইসিসি (@ICC) May 7, 2025
