Harmanpreet, Rajeshwari help India beat South Africa in World Cup warm-up
Star batter 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 in Rangiora on Sunday.
Pakistan cause an upset, India hold on against South Africa, and Australia prove too strong for the West Indies in #CWC22 warm-up action 👇https://t.co/zAfSLhx23G
— ICC (@ICC) February 27, 2022
The India vice-captain, who had regained some form with her first fifty in 12 months during the final ODI against New Zealand, slammed a 119-ball 114 with the help of 11 boundaries.
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 a 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.
The left-hander retired hurt minutes after she was hit on the helmet by a bouncer, and didn't take the field to start South Africa's innings 👇https://t.co/dZtw0bGBsn
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) February 27, 2022
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.
🔹 New Zealand bowled out for 229 against Pakistan
🔹 Australia set the West Indies 260 for victory
🔹 India post 244/9 thanks to a Harmanpreet Kaur century against South AfricaWho takes out the three #CWC22 warm-up matches? pic.twitter.com/d9zUDQuZHa
— ICC (@ICC) February 27, 2022
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.
Pakistan beat New Zealand by four wickets in the #CWC22 warm up at Lincoln.
Aliya Riaz (62*) and Nida Dar (54) spearhead the chase as Pak overhaul 230-run target with four balls spare.
Nashra Sandhu took 4-32. Fatima Sana and Ghulam Fatima took two wickets each #BackOurGirls
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 27, 2022
Opting to bowl, Pakistan dismissed New Zealand for 229 in 45 overs and then romped home in the last over, scoring 233 for six in 49.2 overs.