Smriti's ton propels India to a clinical win over Proteas women

The Proteas top-order crumbled as South Africa slumped to a 143-run loss against India in the opening ODI at Bengaluru on Sunday.

Chasing 266 runs to win, the Proteas kept losing wickets at regular intervals as no one could build a substantial partnership or innings.

However, the day belonged to Smriti Mandhana, who scored a magnificent fighting century, which propelled India to 265-8.

The Proteas were never on top of the run chase, losing opener and captain Laura Wolvaardt in the first over for a duck.

Wickets fell cheaply as the Proteas top-order crumbled, with Marizanne Kapp's 34-run stand with Sune Luus the only partnership of note for the visitors.

Luus top-scored with 33, while Sinalo Jafta also contributed 27 but the Proteas were outclassed by a clinical bowling effort from the hosts.

ODI debutant Asha Sobhana starred for the ball for India, taking four for 21, as the Proteas were restricted to 122 all out.

After deciding to bat first, India got off to a shaky start with the bat as their top-order struggled under the new ball, which saw them reeling at 99-5.

When the usually powerful Richa Ghosh fell for three, the score was 99/5 and the opportunity was there for South Africa to close the door on India. 

However, loose balls and sloppy fielding saw the Proteas lose their hold on India as Smriti and Deepti Sharma put on an 81-run sixth-wicket stand.

The pick of the Proteas bowlers, Ayabonga Khaka with three for 47, broke the partnership as Deepti got an inside edge onto her stumps and walked for a well-played 37 off 48 balls.

In hindsight, the Proteas could have gone back to their frontline bowlers at the start of that partnership and gone for the jugular. Instead, they allowed the pair to settle and Smriti to comfortably