Christchurch [New Zealand]: Powerful batting performance by Smriti Mandhana, Mithali Raj and Shafali Verma propelled Team India to 274/7 in 50 overs against South Africa, in the ongoing ICC Women's ODI World Cup clash, here in Christchurch on Sunday. Opting to bat first, the Women in Blue had a fiery start as openers Shafali and Mandhana thrashed the Proteas bowlers and brought up a 90-run partnership. South Africa finally got a sigh of relief when Shafali got run out after playing a knock of 53 runs.
Yastika Bhatia came to crease and departed short after as she got bowled out by Chloe Tryon, leaving India's total at 96/2. Skipper Mithali Raj then joined hands with Mandhana and the duo played a fiery inning and their side's through the 150-run mark in the 29th over. Mandhana then fell prey to Masabata Klaas' spell and departed after scoring 71 runs, with the team's total at 176/3. Harmanpreet Kaur came to the crease and provided strong support to Mithali, who then achieved her half-century.
