Can India Secure a Spot in the Final After Jemimah and Amanjot's Stellar Performance?

Synopsis
In a thrilling match, <b>Jemimah Rodrigues</b> led India to victory with her stunning <b>123 runs</b>, complemented by <b>Amanjot Kaur</b>'s impressive bowling performance. The duo's efforts secured India's spot in the final of the women's ODI tri-series against South Africa, making for an exciting showdown ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Jemimah Rodrigues scored a magnificent 123 runs.
- Amanjot Kaur made a successful return with 3 wickets.
- India posted a total of 337 runs in their innings.
- The partnership of 122 runs between Jemimah and Deepti set a new record.
- India will compete against Sri Lanka in the final.
Colombo, May 7 (NationPress) Jemimah Rodrigues delivered a spectacular innings, scoring 123 runs, while Amanjot Kaur marked her international return by taking 3 wickets for 59 runs, leading India to a 23-run victory over South Africa. This win at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium ensured India's place in the final of the women’s ODI tri-series on Wednesday.
After being put in to bat first, India faced early trouble at 50/3 within just seven overs. However, Jemimah, coming in at number five, showcased her flair with a series of sweeps and elegant strokes over extra cover. She reached her second ODI century in just 88 balls, amassing a total of 123 runs off 101 balls, which included 15 fours and a six.
She partnered with Deepti Sharma for a remarkable 122-run partnership, with Deepti contributing 93 runs, marking her first ODI fifty since her last against England at Lord's in 2022. Smriti Mandhana also added 51 runs to help India post a formidable score of 337/9 in their 50 overs, aided by South Africa's lapses in fielding.
This 122-run partnership between Jemimah and Deepti set a new record for India’s highest fifth-wicket stand in women’s ODIs, surpassing the previous 108-run record set by Mithali Raj and Veda Krishnamurthy against New Zealand in 2017. In response to the challenging target of 337, South Africa, missing their regular captain Laura Wolvaardt, found themselves at 89/3 in just 18.5 overs.
Despite battling cramps, all-rounder Annerie Dercksen played valiantly, scoring 81 runs to keep South Africa in contention, alongside stand-in captain Chloe Tryon, who scored 67 runs off 43 balls. Chloe capitalized on the spinners’ mistakes, reducing the target to 39 runs off the last 12 balls.
However, the match faced interruptions due to bad light, creating tension as play resumed. Ultimately, India emerged victorious when Deepti bowled Chloe, conceding only three runs in the final over, sealing the match and setting up a final clash against Sri Lanka on Sunday.
From the Indian bowling lineup, Amanjot, returning to ODIs after a 15-month hiatus, made a significant impact in the absence of Arundhati Reddy and injured Kashvee Gautam, securing three wickets under overcast conditions, playing a crucial role alongside Jemimah to help India reach the title match.
Brief Scores: India 337/9 in 50 overs (Jemimah Rodrigues 123, Deepti Sharma 93; Masabata Klaas 2-51, Nadine de Klerk 2-54) beat South Africa 314/7 in 50 overs (Annerie Dercksen 81, Chloe Tryon 67; Amanjot Kaur 3-59, Deepti Sharma 2-57) by 23 runs.