Mumbai, May 7: Jemimah Rodrigues smashed a career-best century as India posted a challenging 337 for nine against South Africa in a crucial women's Tri-Nation ODI series match here on Wednesday. The 24-year-old struck a fluent 123 off 101 balls, laced with 15 fours and a six — her second ODI hundred — to anchor India's innings. Rodrigues shared two vital partnerships — an 88-run stand off 99 balls with opener Smriti Mandhana (51) and a 122-run partnership off 115 balls with Deepti Sharma (93). Indian All-Rounder Kashvee Gautam Ruled Out From Women’s Tri-Series 2025 in Sri Lanka, Kranti Goud Named Replacement.

For South Africa, seamer Masabata Klaas (2/51), Nadine de Klerk (2/54), and left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba (2/71) were the pick of the bowlers. Asked to bat first, table-toppers India had a shaky start as in-form opener Pratika Rawal (1) was dismissed early, chasing a wide delivery from Nadine de Klerk and slicing it to Annerie Dercksen (1/36).

Harleen Deol too departed cheaply, dragging a delivery onto her stumps as India slumped to 18 for 2. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (28) played a brisk cameo, smashing six boundaries before top-edging a short ball to Shangase off Dercksen. Mandhana and Rodrigues then stabilised the innings before the former mistimed a pull shot to deep mid-wicket off Chloe Tryon. Smriti Mandhana Completes 100 One-Day Internationals For India, Achieves Feat During IND-W vs SL-W Women's Tri-Nation Series 2025 4th ODI.

Rodrigues was eventually dismissed in the 43rd over by Klaas, caught at backward point. South Africa, who have lost both their previous matches, were without regular captain Laura Wolvaardt, who was ruled out due to illness. Tryon is leading the side in her absence.

Brief Scores: India Women: 337 for 9 in 50 overs (Jemimah Rodrigues 123, Deepti Sharma 93, Smriti Mandhana 51; Masabata Klaas 2/51, Nadine de Klerk 2/54, Nonkululeko Mlaba 2/71).

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)