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Leg-spinner Asha Sobhana marked her ODI debut with a remarkable performance, leading India to a dominant 143-run victory over South Africa in the opening match of the multi-format series at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Sobhana’s sensational four-wicket haul (4\/21) helped the hosts bowl out South Africa for a mere 122, following a solid batting display anchored by Smriti Mandhana’s century. In challenging conditions, Mandhana’s composed innings of 114 laid the foundation for India’s total of 265\/8. <\/p>\n
India’s bowling, spearheaded by Sobhana’s leg-spin, dismantled the South African batting lineup. The debutant’s disciplined line and variations proved too much for the opposition, as she claimed four crucial wickets. Reflecting on her performance, Sobhana said, “I just kept it simple, I wanted to bowl in the right areas, I was in a good rhythm, I wanted to continue. I have been practising this [legspin] for years, I did not want to do anything extraordinary, wanted to focus on the basics. There was a lot for turn on the wicket, did not want to give space to the batters, wanted to vary the pace so that the batters don’t pick my variations.” <\/p>\n
The support from her teammates and the management’s confidence in her abilities further bolstered Sobhana’s remarkable debut. “This stadium is very special for me, by the grace of god everything went well. Pitch is amazing and a little bit of my effort as well. I woke up in the morning today and prayed to god that everything should go well, glad that it went well. [on what the management told her earlier today] They just told me to enjoy, they had lot of confidence in my skills, they wanted me to go out and explore. [on if she is disappointed at not picking a fifer] Not really, I’m happy that my nation won,” Sobhana added. <\/p>\n
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur played a significant role in Sobhana’s maiden ODI wicket, catching Marizanne Kapp at extra cover off a well-flighted delivery. The South African innings never recovered from this early setback. Asha’s persistence paid off as she cleaned up the tail, ensuring a comprehensive victory for India. Mandhana’s century, a testament to her skill and experience, provided the stability India needed at the top of the order. Her composed knock included 12 boundaries, setting a platform for India to post a challenging total.<\/p>\n
South Africa’s response was fraught with difficulties. Despite a brief resistance from skipper Sune Luus, who played some elegant shots through the covers, the visitors faltered against India’s spin attack. Deepti Sharma’s clever bowling and Harmanpreet’s part-time spin further tightened the noose around the South African batters. Sobhana’s exceptional debut overshadowed South Africa’s batting woes, leaving them with no chance to chase the target. As the last recognized batter, Trisha Chetty, fell to a deceptive delivery from Sobhana, India sealed a convincing win<\/strong><\/a> and earned two crucial points in the ICC Women’s ODI Championship.<\/p>\n