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 here on Sunday.
The India vice-captain, who had regained some form with her first 50 in 12 months during the final ODI against New Zealand, slammed a 119-ball 114 with the help of 11 boundaries.
India, however, suffered an injury scare when star opener Smriti Mandhana (12) was struck on the head by a bouncer from Shabnim Ismail and was forced to retire hurt.
Defending a total of 244 for nine, Rajeshwari Gayakwad (4/46) returned with a four-wicket haul to stop South Africa at 242/7. 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 Lincoln.
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.
Summarised Scores:
India 244/9 in 50 overs (H Kaur 114, Y Bhatia 58; A Khaka 3/23) South Africa 242/7 in 50 overs (L Wolvaardt 75, S Luus 94; R Gayakwad 4/46)
New Zealand 229 all out in 45 overs (A Satterthwaite 80, M Green 58; N Sandhu 4/32). Pakistan 233/6 in 49.2 overs (A Riaz 62, Nida Dar 54; Jess Kaur 2/30).
