[Watch] Harmanpreet Kaur applauds Laura Wolvaardt after her valiant 135* ends in a losing cause during INDW vs SAW 2nd ODI
Harmanpreet Kaur appreciated Laura Wolvaardt after her magnificent century ended in a losing cause in the second ODI between Indian and South African Women's teams on Wednesday, June 19. The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru hosted the match.
South African captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and opted to bowl first in the contest. Smriti Mandhana (136) and Harmanpreet Kaur (103*) hit aggressive centuries and steered India to a mammoth total of 325/3 in the first innings.
The Proteas team then found themselves in trouble after being reduced to 67/3 in 14.2 overs during the steep chase. Laura Wolvaardt (135*) and Marizanne Kapp (113) stitched a massive 184-run partnership for the fourth wicket and brought their side back into the contest.
Deepti Sharma provided the opening for India by dismissing Kapp in the 43rd over. Wolvaardt remained determined at the other and tried her best, but South Africa eventually fell five runs short of victory.
After the match, Harmanpreet Kaur ran towards Laura Wolvaardt while she was walking to the pavilion and applauded her for playing a fighting knock.
You can watch the video below:
"This is a big achievement for women's cricket"- India captain Harmanpreet Kaur after victory against South Africa in 2nd ODI
At the post-match presentation, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur was delighted to participate in a high-scoring contest. She termed it a big achievement for Women's cricket, saying:
"This is a big achievement for women's cricket. South Africa played really well today. The ball was moving well initially and our openers did not throw their wickets away. Later on, we made a few errors and did not bowl according to our plan, but luckily, things went our way. The batting camp helped us a lot - along with Smriti (Mandhana), Shafali (Verma) also contributed with the ball."
Kaur continued:
"I have always trusted Deepti (Sharma) and I was telling her that today as well. Credit to her as she always backs herself. I was batting well in the first game but got out. I told myself that I would not give up and not have any negative thoughts; I came in early and spent some time in the nets. I try to stay positive and fresh."
India and South Africa will square off in the third and final match of the series on Sunday (June 23) at the same venue.