Pacer Jhulan Goswami set up a seven-wicket win for India women against South Africa on her way to becoming the all-time leading wicket-taker in women’s one-day internationals during their second game of the Quadrangular series in Potchefstroom on Tuesday.
Goswami finished with figures if 3/20 to take her tally to 181, overtaking former Australia pacer Cathryn Fitzpatrick. The effort helped India restrict South Africa to 119.
Medium pacer Shikha Pandey (3/22) got India off to a dream start as she dismantled the top-order. Mignon du Preez (31) and Marizanne Kapp (23) helped stablised their innings, but soon wilted as Goswami came into her own and triggered a collapse that saw South Africa lose their last seven wickets for just 19 runs
In reply, India were off to a stuttering start with opener Sharma departing in only the fourth ball of the innings. India were made to work hard for their runs and lost Poonam Raut with just 38 on the board. However, a gritty knock from Mona Meshram (38 from 93) took India to safety. She stitched a crucial 33-run stand with skipper Mithali Raj (51 not out)..
India had come into the game on the back of a comprehensive 10-wicket win against Ireland. Raj and Co. play their next game against Zimbabwe on May 11.
Brief scores
- South Africa women 119 in 39.3 Overs (Mignon du Preez 31, Marizanne Kapp 23; Jhulan Goswami 3/20, Shikha Pandey 3/22) lost to India women (Mithali Raj 51 not out, Mona Meshram 38; Shabnim Ismail 2/17) by 7 wickets