Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell announced his retirement from ODI cricket on Monday, ending his 13-year-long ODI career. However, he will continue to play T20I cricket. Maxwell has taken this decision to prioritise the T20 World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka in 2026, the Big Bash League and his other global cricket.
Let's take a look at all the records of Glenn Maxwell in ODI cricket.
Maxwell's ODI career
Glenn Maxwell scored 3,990 runs in his ODI career at an average of 33.81, with his highest score being 201 not out. He scored four centuries and 23 half-centuries. In bowling, he took 77 wickets at an average of 47.32, with his best performance being 4/40. Maxwell played 149 ODIs for Australia.
In the 2023 World Cup, Maxwell made the record for scoring the fastest century in World Cup history by scoring a century in just 40 balls against the Netherlands. Apart from this, he also created a stir in the cricket world by playing an innings of 201 runs against Afghanistan.
All the records of Glenn Maxwell in ODI cricket
Highest Individual score in an ODI run-chase: Glenn Maxwell scored an unbeaten 201 in the 292-run chase against Afghanistan during the World Cup 2023. This is the highest individual score by any batter in a run chase in ODIs. He also became the first ever Australian player to score a double-century in the format.
Fastest ODI century for Australia: Glenn Maxwell smashed a century off just 40 balls against the Netherlands at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi during the World Cup in 2023. This is the fastest century for Australia in their ODI cricket history.
Highest career strike-rate: Glenn Maxwell retires from ODIs with a career strike-rate of 126.70, the highest for any player in the world who has played 100 or more ODIs. Among all players, Maxwell finishes with the second highest strike rate with Andre Russell on top, who strikes at 130.22 in 56 ODIs.
Most centuries in the World Cup while batting at no.5 or below: Glenn Maxwell scored three centuries in the World Cup during his illustrious ODI career. These are the most for any batter in World Cup history while batting at no.5 or below.
Second fastest double century in ODIs: Glenn Maxwell smashed the second-fastest double century in ODIs. He reached the 200-run mark against Afghanistan in World Cup off just 128 balls with the fastest being from 126 balls by Ishan Kishan against Bangladesh in 2022.
Third most sixes in World Cup history: Glenn Maxwell finished his career with 43 sixes in the World Cup, the third most behind Rohit Sharma and Chris Gayle. During the World Cup in 2023, he went past David Warner to become the leading six-hitter for Australia in the format.
Second most sixes for Australia in ODIs: Glenn Maxwell finished with 155 sixes in ODIs, second most maximums for Australia in the format, only behind Ricky Ponting who smacked 159 sixes.
Youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century
Sachin Tendulkar leads the inspiring list of youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century, with his unbeaten 119 against England in 1990. Discover who else achieved this milestone at an young age.
Every young cricketer dreams of scoring a century for their nation on an international stage. But for a precious few, that dream became a jaw-dropping reality early in their careers.
India has been gifted with such memorable centuries by youngsters who later turned out to be cricketing legends. We are talking about Sachin Tendulkar and his unmatched legacy in the list of the youngest Indians to score an international century.
Check out the other names that follow up with their quality batting skills.
1. Sachin Tendulkar (17 years 107 days) | 1990
Saching Tendulkar getting praised by fellow cricketers as he walks down after his unbeaten 119 against ENG in 1990. | Mint
Sachin Tendulkar is the youngest Indian cricketer ever and the 3rd youngestoverall to score an international century with his maiden century at Old Trafford, in August 1990. At just 17 years and 107 days old, he scored an unbeaten 119 in the fourth innings, helping India to save the Test match against England.
Sachin not only announced his arrival on the global stage with this knock, but also helped India secure a draw in the test.
Prithvi Shaw celebrating his maiden Test century in 2018. Image | Instagram
Prithvi Shaw became the youngest Indian to score a century on Test debut and the second-youngest in this list of international centuries with his knock against the West Indies in October 2018. He was only 18 years and 329 days old at that time.
He reached his hundred in 99 balls and scored 134 runs in that innings, which marked a spectacular test debut.
3. Kapil Dev (20 years 18 days) | 1979
Kapil Dev representing India in tests. Image | Khel Now
India's legendary all-rounder, Kapil Dev, holds the third place with his century against the West Indies on home soil in 1979. It was his first test century, at the age of 20 years and 18 days. He was 126 not out in the particular innings.
4. Abbas Ali Baig (20 years 126 days) | 1959
Abbas Ali Baig representing India. Image | Getty Images
Abbas Ali Baig scored his first test century at the age of 20 years and 126 days against England in July 1959. This made him the first Indian to score a century on Test debut outside India and the fourth youngest centurion in this elite list.
Apart from his brilliant achievements in the field of cricket, he is also famously remembered for being kissed by a female fan during a Test match in Bombay.
Madhav Apte batting in a cricket match. Image | Facebook
The former Indian test opener, Madhav Apte, scored his only test century at the age of 20 years 137 days in January 1953 against the West Indies. He made 163 not out in the fifth test of the series.
Despite the impressive century and a good tour, his Test career was surprisingly short-lived, playing only 7 tests.
6. Ajay Ratra (20 years 148 days) | 2002
Ajay Ratra representing India in tests. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Ajay Ratra is a former wicket-keeper batter who also had a short-lived test career, comprising 6 test matches. However, he scored an impactful century at only 20 years and 148 days of age, which puts him in the 6th place for the youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century.
He scored this in May 2002 against the West Indies and helped India secure a draw on a flat pitch.
7. Ravi Shastri (20 years 248 days) | 1983
Ravi Shastri in action for India in tests. Image | BBC
Ravi Shastri scored his first test century in January 1983 at the age of 20 years and 248 days. He scored 128 in that innings against Pakistan's strong pace attack led by Imran Khan.
This innings transitioned him into an opening batsman, showcasing his finest skills and ability to adapt.
Vijay Manjrekar playing for India. Image| ESPNcricinfo
Vijay Manjrekar delivered a key performance on the international stage early in his career with his Test century against England in 1952. At the age of 20 years and 253 days, he stood elegantly against a great English bowling attack.
9. Gundappa Viswanath (20 years 276 days) | 1969
Gundappa Viswanath representing India in tests. Image | LatestLY
Gundappa Viswanath holds the 9th position with his maiden Test century against Australia in 1969, when he was 20 years and 276 days old. After a duck in his first innings, he bounced back with a magnificent 136 runs in the second innings.
This knock brought him into the limelight at an early age, and also helped the nation see his ability to score underpressure.
Rishabh Pant celebrating his maiden Test century in 2018 against England. Image | DNA
Rishabh Pant's aggressive and fearless approach came into light with his maiden Test century at 20 years and 338 days of age, making his way to the Top 10 youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century.
With this performance in 2018, Pant also became the first Indian wicket-keeper to score a test century in England.
6 cricketers who announced their retirements since last month
The cricket world bid farewell to six prominent players as they drew curtains on stellar international careers in just one month. From unparalleled Kohli to power-hitter Maxwell, here are 6 crickters who announced their retirements since last month.
The cricket world, known for its constant evolution, has seen a drastic shift in a month. Over the past month, six notable players have chosen to conclude their careers on the global stage.
From legendary batsmen to powerful all-rounders, these departures mark a significant moment in the history of cricket. These aren't just names; they are players who have shaped matches and won the hearts of millions.
Explore the list of 6 cricketers who announced their retirements since last month.
1. Rohit Sharma (Test retirement) | May 7, 2025
Rohit Sharma celebrating his first century as an opener in tests in 2019. Image | Daily Excelsior
On May 7, 2025, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of his remarkable journey as a batsman, as well as India's captain in tests. His test career lasted for 12 years since his debut in 2013.
Sharma transformed himself into a brilliant test opener in the latter half of his career. One of his defining moments in Test cricket arrived in 2019 against South Africa, where he hammered a majestic 212 runs as an opener, showcasing his ability to wear down opposition attacks.
He is the fifth-most successful Test captain for India, leading to 12 Test victories.
Rohit Sharma's stats in tests:
Span
Innings
Runs
Avg
SR
HS
50
100
2013-2024
116
4302
40.6
57.1
212
18
12
2. Virat Kohli (Test retirement) | May 12, 2025
Virat Kohli celebrating his century against WI in 2023. Image | Instagram
Following Rohit's retirement, India lost the era's most dominant force in test cricket. The announcement of Virat Kohli's test retirement on May 12, 2025, resonated globally, leaving everyone shocked and upset.
Kohli approached the test format with a fierce competitive spirit and hunger for runs. His dedication and skill set in this format saw him notch 7 double centuries in his test career. He also became the most successful test captain of India during the 8 years (Dec 2014-Jan 2022) of his captaincy tenure, leading to 40 wins.
This decision of Kohli to step away from tests also brought the interests of Indian fans in tests in question. This retirement indeed marked the end of an era.
Virat Kohli's stats in tests:
Span
Innings
Runs
Avg
SR
HS
50
100
2011-2025
210
9230
46.85
55.57
254*
3
30
3. Angelo Mathews (Test retirement) | May 23, 2025
Angelo Mathews in tests. Image | Mint
Sri Lanka's enduring test pillar, Angelo Mathews, concluded his test career on May 23, 2025. He left behind a legacy of resilience and crucial performances as an all-rounder.
Mathews possessed the ability to adapt his game and accelerate when required. His unbeaten 200 runs against Zimbabwe in 2020 stand out as one of his vital contributions. He also took a total of 33 wickets in tests.
He led Sri Lanka in 34 matches as a captain and won 13 among them.
Angelo Mathews' stats in tests:
Span
Innings
Runs
Avg
SR
HS
50
100
2009-2025
210
8167
44.62
48.45
200*
45
16
4. Glenn Maxwell (ODIs Retirement) | June 2, 2025
Glen Maxwell celebrating his 201* against Afghanistan in 2023 ODI World Cup. Image | Pinterest
Australia's one of the most captivating hitters and match-winners, Glenn Maxwell, announced retirement from ODIs on June 2, 2025. Known for his explosive strokeplay and ability to turn the game around, he had an amazing ODI career.
Maxwell's career has many moments to highlight, but nothing can match his astonishing 201* runs against Afghanistan in the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Coming back with a back injury, this innings was a masterclass in aggressive and controlled batting.
He snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, which goes down in the history of ODI cricket.
Glenn Maxwell's stats in ODIs:
Span
Innings
Runs
Wickets
Avg
SR
HS
50
100
2012-2025
136
3990
77
(in 119 innings)
33.81
126.70
201*
23
4
5. Heinrich Klaasen (International retirement) | June 2, 2025
Heinrich Klaasen celebrating his 109 off 67 balls against England in 2023 World Cup. Image| TOI
On June 2, 2025, Heinrich Klaasen announced his international retirement, which marked the end of a relatively short yet impactful career as a destructive batsman in white-ball cricket.
Since his international debut for South Africa in 2018, he has been a hard-hitter of the ball and has become one of the most feared finishers in limited-overs formats. His phenomenal 174 runs off just 83 balls against Australia in an ODI in 2023 stands as a testament to his raw hitting power and ability.
Heinrich Klaasen's international stats (2018-2025)
Format
Innings
Runs
Avg
SR
HS
50
100
T20Is
53
1000
23.25
141.84
81
5
0
ODIs
56
2141
43.69
117.05
174
11
4
Tests
8
104
13.00
45.21
35
0
0
6. Nicholas Pooran (International retirement) | June 10, 2025
Nicholas Pooran celebrating his knock of 113 runs against Sri Lanka in 2019 World Cup. Image | BBC
The West Indies batter, Nicholas Pooran, announced his international retirement on June 10, 2025, at the age of just 29. This marked one of the earliest retirements for a high-profile West Indies player.
As a left-hander wicket-keeper batsman, Pooran quickly established himself as an electrifying hitter in white-ball cricket. He brought an aggressive approach to the crease, with the potential to turn the game in his favour.
He has done exceptionally well in his short-lived international career. His 98 runs off 53 balls against Afghanistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup perfectly tell the story of his talent.
Nicholas Pooran's international stats (2016-2025):
The Most Valuable Player in IPL is the cricketer who earns the most points on the MVP Chart of a particular season. Before the 2013 season, the best player of an IPL season received the 'IPL Man of the Series' title. However, the organizers changed it to the IPL Most Valuable Player in 2013.
How do players get the IPL Most Valuable Player award?
There is a special rating system, under which the cricketers earn points for fours, sixes, wickets, catches, dot balls, and stumpings. For every four, the player gets 2.5 points, while a maximum earns him 3.5 points.
A catch or a stumping is equal to 2.5 points, and a wicket gets the player 3.5 points. The bowler earns one point for every dot ball bowled. The leader of this standing takes the IPL Most Valuable Player trophy home.
Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson won the Most Valuable Player award in its inaugural edition in 2013. Watson had undone the damage to his IPL prospects that year with all-round performance for the Rajasthan Royals. With 22 sixes, 59 boundaries, 6 catches, and 13 wickets, Watson edged past the big Chris Gayle by 37 points to clinch the Most Valuable Player once again.
A packed Chennai crowd also witnessed Shane Watson's first IPL 100. Incidentally, Watson's 61-ball 101 was also the first century of the 2013 edition of the IPL
After failing to find a spot on the Australian side in 2014, Glenn Maxwell staged a fantastic show in the 7th edition of the IPL. The all-rounder Maxwell scored as many as 552 runs in the tournament, during which he also smashed 36 sixes and 48 fours, all at a strike rate of 187.75.
The Aussie fell agonizingly short of a maiden IPL century – he blasted CSK's bowlers to get to a 38-ball 95. Although Kings XI Punjab lost in a thrilling final against the Knight Riders, Glenn Maxwell would have cherished the 2014 season of the IPL for his stellar run.
Kolkata's Caribbean Knight Andre Russell was power personified as far as the 2015 IPL was concerned. The broad-shouldered all-rounder set the IPL on fire with stellar performances lower down the order. Russell was the bright spot of KKR's deep batting order, as the Caribbean genius scored 326 runs through the course of the season.
Russell could brag about his 21-ball 51 against Kings XI Punjab which helped KKR steeple a target of 183. A strike rate of 192.29 stood out in Andre Russell's scintillating season. Don't forget his 14 wickets and 6 catches.
The 9th edition of the IPL pulled every available spotlight on just one man, Virat Kohli. Former Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper was in mint form, as he seemed to have no difficulty in racking up immense runs. Virat Kohli came tantalizingly close to 1,000 runs in a single IPL season, finishing with 973.
En route to yet another blotched IPL final, Kohli hammered 4 centuries – which was the most by a batsman in a single IPL season – and comfortably snapped the Orange Cap. Despite a disappointing end to the season, Virat Kohli had taken the IPL by storm by his insatiable hunger for T20 runs.
The tag of 'Most Valuable Player' was attached to Ben Stokes long before he took the field in the 2017 edition of the IPL. Stokes fetched Rs. 14.5 crore and was set to ply his skills for the Rising Pune Supergiant. He didn't disappoint his selectors who invested big money in him. Stokes proved his worth and added the title of Most Valuable Player alongside his already existing tag of Most Expensive Overseas Player.
Although he was dearly missed in the final, Stokes had amassed 316 runs at 31.60 before he left on national duty. The Big Ben lit up the IPL with a stellar century against the Gujarat Lions and was also instrumental in the Pune's impenetrable death-bowling. Stokes bagged a total of 12 wickets while maintaining a miserly economy rate of 7.18.
Sunil Narine became the second cricketer after Shane Watson to become the most valuable player of IPL twice. After IPL 2012 he won the prestigious award once again in 2018. By this time he not only proved himself as an excellent bowler but also as a great hard-hitting opener.
He completely justified the roles given to him by giving an extreme start to KKR in the powerplay in most of the matches and also helped the team to reach the playoffs. In 16 matches he scored 357 runs with a strike rate of 189.89 and took 17 wickets with an economy rate of 7.65. One of his most magnificent knocks from IPL 2018 is his half-century in only 17 balls against RCB.
Once again a player from KKR became the most valuable player of IPL 2019 following Sunil Narine in 2018. Andre Russell also became the third cricketer to be in the MVP award twice in IPL history after Shane Watson and Sunil Narine. By this time, he proved himself as a batter who could win matches in dire situations.
In 2019 IPL Russell completely thrashed boundaries all around and literally played with the opponent bowlers. He aggregated 510 runs in only 14 matches with an out-of-the-ordinary strike rate of 204.81. He not only restricted himself with batting but also picked up 11 wickets for KKR while bowling in the death overs mostly.
Rajasthan Royals' all-rounder Jofra Archer claimed the IPL Most Valuable Player award in 2020. The English player topped the MVP standings with 305 points to his name.
Archer picked up 20 wickets, bowled 175 dot deliveries, smashed five fours and ten sixes as well as took five catches to beat the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rashid Khan to become the Most Valuable Player in IPL 2020. No other player could score 300 MVP points last year.
The Most Valuable Player of IPL 2021 is Harshal Patel from Royal Challengers Bangalore. With 264.5 points, the cricketer had an amazing season this year. Starting from taking crucial wickets to winning the Purple Cap, Game-changer of the season, picking the highest number of wickets in IPL, he did it all. He had a dreamy season after making a comeback to RCB from DC. Also, he took a 4 wicket haul and a 5 wicket haul this season as well.
Suryakumar Yadav | 2025
Mumbai Indians batter Suryakumar Yadav has been named the Most Valuable Player for IPL 2025. The MI middle-order star finished the season with 717 runs to his name from 16 matches, registering his best season so far averaging, 65.18. He struck five half-centuries in the course of the tournament, emerging as MI’s highest run-scorer in IPL 2025. SKY is the second MI batter to win the Most Valuable Player of the season award after Sachin Tendulkar in 2010.
From the Abhishek-Digvesh altercation to other key heated exchanges, uncover every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed. Get the full recap of the season's drama.
IPL 2025 got an additional layer of drama to the tournament with all the heated moments that took place. Some were just mere arguments, while some broke the internet with their intensity.
From arguments to fiery debates or controversial flashpoints, uncover every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed. You can also watch the YouTube video for the list.
Anyways, if you like to read, here is the list.
1. Abhishek Sharma & Digvesh Rathi (SRH vs LSG)
Digvesh Rathi and Abhishek Sharma during their heated exchange in a match between SRH & LSG. Image | Instagram
IPL 2025 saw a fiery clash between the SRH opener, Abhishek Sharma, and LSG spinner, Digvesh Rathi. The point arrived in the eighth over of SRH's chase, when Abhishek got dismissed by Rathi, after an explosive knock of 59 runs (20 balls).
The moment occurred when Digvesh, who is known for his exclusive 'notebook' celebration, continued with the same after the dismissal. This gesture provoked Sharma, who was walking back to the dugout, and turned around with an angry reaction to it.
The entire team and the Umpires had to intervene to stop the verbal exchange between them. Both players were fined, with Rathi receiving a suspension.
The intensity of a must-win clash! 🔥#DigveshRathi dismisses the dangerous #AbhishekSharma, & things get heated right after! 🗣️💢
Is this the breakthrough #LSG needed to turn things around? 🏏
Sai Kishore and Hardik Pandya during a heated exchange in a match between MI and GT. Image | TOI
A heated exchange occurred between the former teammates, Hardik Pandya and Sai Kishore, during a match between MI and GT. This was during the second innings when MI had to chase down a huge total set by GT.
After a dot ball, Sai Kishore gave Pandya and intense stare to build pressure, while Pandya did not back down and returned the glare with the same intensity. Pandya was also seen saying "f*** off" in response.
Umpires quickly stepped in to diffuse the situation. Kishore answered in a post-match interview saying "Inside the field it should be like that, but we don't take things personally."
Jasprit Bumrah and Karun Nair during a heated exchange during a match between MI and DC. Image | NDTV
A rare sight of Jasprit Bumrah being agitated was seen during a match between MI and DC in IPL 2025. It occurred when Karun Nair was having a phenomenal time with the bat for DC and smashed Bumrah for 18 runs in a single over.
The argument began when Nair collided with Bumrah while completing a second run between the wickets. He instantly apologised, but Bumrah was visibly angry and exchanged heated words.
The average Delhi vs Mumbai debate in comments section 🫣
Nair and Bumrah clearing the air during post-match scenes. Image | Twitter
Fans were pleased to see both players sorting things out during the post-match handshake. The official page of Delhi Capitals also posted the moment captured on camera, captioning "Sab theek hai bhai."
Virat Kohli and KL Rahul during a heated exchange in a match between RCB and DC. Image | Instagram
While the friendly banter about KL Rahul's "Kantara" style celebration went viral, a sight of clear heated conversation was also seen in the match between RCB and DC.
This happened in the first innings, when Virat Kohli was batting and Rahul was keeping behind the stumps. The exact words still remain unclear, but Kohli seemed frustrated with DC for delaying while setting up the field during the overs.
Things are heating up in Delhi! 🔥#ViratKohli and #KLRahul exchange a few words in this nail-biting match between #DC and #RCB. 💪
Rahul and Kohli hugging it out at the end of the match between RCB and DC. Image | NDTV
DC secured a win against RCB in their first encounter where the heated exchange took place. KL Rahul, who was brilliant with the bat, was seen carrying out a "This is my ground" celebration.
However, things got better after both teams met for the second time, where Kohli mimicked Rahul's celebration after defeating DC, and both of them shared a good laugh.
Marcus Stoinis stepping in to confront Travis Head for a heated exchange with Glenn Maxwell. Image | BBC
IPL 2025 saw a surprising clash between the Aussie teammates, Travis Head (SRH) and Glenn Maxwell. The incident took place during SRH's massive run-chase, when Head smashed Maxwell for two consecutive sixes.
It was followed by a dot ball in that over, when Maxwell aggressively threw the ball back towards Head. Both teammates reacted sharply after that incident, increasing the tension between them.
Their fellow Aussie teammate, Marcus Stoinis, stepped in with a disappointed look, along with the Umpires, to intervene and resolve the matter.
Shubham Gill lashing out on Umpires during GT vs SRH match in IPL 2025. Image | News18
Shubman Gill was at the centre of two heated moments involving umpires in IPL 2025.
The first one occurred when Gill (batting on 76) was given out via a controversial run-out decision. He was furious to be sent back, while the footage was unclear whether SRH's wicket-keeper, Klassen, had dislodged the bails with the ball or his gloves.
What's your take? 👇✍🏻#ShubmanGill seen having a word with the umpire after being given out by the third umpire on a tight call! 👀
Things escalated in the second innings when captain Gill openly disagreed with an LBW decision for the SRH batter Abhishek Sharma, which went against his team.
Chaos at the centre! 😳#ShubmanGill and #AbhishekSharma in discussion with the umpires! A review going #SRH’s way has sparked some serious drama! 🧐
Virat Kohli giving out an intense stare during Khaleel Ahmed's over in a match between RCB and CSK. Image | NDTV
This incident ignited when CSK's pacer, Khaleel Ahmed, bowled a sharp bouncer to Virat Kohli, and then followed through intensely with a stare. Khaleel got closer to him, while Kohli seemed to maintain the eye-contact and take this as a low-key disrespect.
The drama followed during the post-match handshakes where Kohli had a chat with Khaleel, tauntingly saying "ab tu aa," referring to their second encounter. As a result, Kohli smashed 3 sixes in Khaleel's over, when the teams met for the second time in IPL 2025.
KING REMEMBERS! 😁
Come for Virat 🆚 MSD, stay for Virat 🆚 Khaleel too! 🍿
Additionally, Kohli also had an instance with CSK's Matheesha Pathirana, where he was hit on the helmet by a bouncer. Kohli immediately responded with a six and a four, while giving back a look.
Tri-Nation Series 2025: India vs South Africa Women's ODI Match Report | India storms into final with a phenomenal victory
India secured a spectacular victory against South Africa by 23 runs in the fifth match of Women's ODI Tri-series 2025 at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. This made India reach 6 points to end at the top of points table and guarantee their place in the final.
India won by 23 runs in their second encounter with South Africa in Tri-Nation ODI Series 2025. With a spectacular century from Jemimah Rodrigues and two half centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma, India posted a huge total of 337 runs, batting first.
They comfortably defended their total in the second innings, restricting South Africa to only 314 runs with a fall of 7 wickets. Amanjot Kaur played a key role in India's bowling attack by taking crucial wickets that helped in collapsing South Africa’s top-order.
India's batting supremacy in the first innings
Jemimah Rodrigues celebrates her second ODI century in the Tri-series match against SA-W. Image | ESPNcricinfo
India lost the toss and were put to bat first, which did not seem to bother them, as the batters completely owned the first inning. Their batting line-up dominated the entire inning till the very last ball. Even though Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol did not have any luck with the bat today, Smriti Mandhana, on the other hand, gave a steady start to the team.
The queen of consistency, Smriti, scored a much-needed 51 off 63 balls, accompanied by a stunning cameo from Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored 28 runs from 20 balls. The real game changer was Jemimah Rodrigues and her spectacular knock of 123 from 101 balls which led the foundation for India towards a defendable total.
Then came another sensational knock from Deepti Sharma, who scored a classy 93 runs (from 84 balls) and played beautifully till the last over.
A series of powerful batting performances, with blazing boundaries and a solid start led India to this commendable total of 337 runs, which nearly seemed impossible after the fall of early wickets.
Deepti Sharma celebrating the dismissal of Chloe Tryon in the 49th over. Image | ESPNcricinfo
India made two changes ahead of the game, by handing debut to the left arm spinner, Shuchi Upadhyay, and bringing back Amanjot Kaur in the playing XI. The changes were in the favour of India, especially with Amanjot Kaur’s three-wicket haul.
Kaur picked up three crucial wickets by dismissing the opening pair with an economy less than 7. The early breakthrough was important as Lara Goodall and Tazmin Brits are the key batters and their partnership build-up could have been a trouble for India in the later stage. She also took the game-changer wicket of Annerie Dercksen in the 46th over, who was explosively taking the asking rate down with her batting.
Other players like Deepti Sharma picked 2 major wickets by bowling a tight line and length, and restricting the run-flow. Sree Charani and Pratika Rawal also took a wicket each.
South Africa’s chase in a must-win scenario
Annerie Dercksen during her knock of 81 runs from 80 balls. Image | Instagram
South Africa’s captain, Laura Wolvaardt, did not play in today's match, and as a result, Chloe Tryon was handed the captaincy. SA failed to hold momentum in the game, despite great efforts from Annerie Dercksen, who scored 81 runs off 80 balls.
Even though they managed to take up 9 wickets in the first innings, the bowling unit was overall expensive today. Having a target of 338 runs on board required a good start in the second innings which completely fell short. The fall of early wickets led to top-order collapse, causing difficulties in building long-term partnerships.
The 72-runs partnership between Dercksen and Chloe Tryon, and the 67 runs (from 43 balls) knock from the skipper kept them alive in the game, but Indian bowlers sealed the victory towards the end.
India seals final spot after today's victory, South Africa’s journey ends
India secured their place in the Tri-Nation ODI series final with 3 wins out of 4 matches (6 points total). They will face Sri Lanka in the finals on 11th May, 2025, at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
As for South Africa, another loss today led them to zero points after 3 matches. They will face Sri Lanka in their last match of this series, and winning that will get them to a maximum of 2 points. Therefore, today's match result confirmed South Africa’s Tri-series exit.
Score Summary
IND-W: 337/9 (50) | Jemimah Rodrigues 123; N. de Klerk 9-54-2