ICC World Cup warm-up: Harmanpreet Kaur, Rajeshwari guide India to two-run win over South Africa
India Today
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 on Sunday.
The Indian women's cricket team kicked off their preparations for the upcoming ICC 50-over World Cup with a thrilling win over South Africa in their first warm-up fixture on Sunday.
Harmanpreet Kaur, who had regained some form with her first fifty in 12 months during the final ODI against New Zealand, slammed a 119-ball 114 to help India eke out a narrow two-run win over South Africa. The innings will calm the nerves of the team management as she remains a key player for India's World Cup campaign.
India, however, suffered an 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.
