Urooj Niazi 
jemimah rodrigues’s brilliant ton propels india to commanding position
During the fifth match of the women’s Tri-Series at Colombo’s R Premadasa International Stadium Jemimah Rodrigues made a spectacular 123-run century alongside India’s 337/9 total against South Africa.
Jemimah Rodrigues established her second ODI century at number four position by hitting 123 runs which included 15 boundaries and one six. The strong innings she produced led India toward the score they needed to potentially secure victory.
Rodrigues built two key bowlers with South African bowlers who produced South Africa’s downfall. Rodrigues started by joining opener Smriti Mandhana (51) for an 88-run fourth-wicket partnership, then combined with fellow batsman Deepti Sharma for a match-altering 122-run partnership.
Sharma’s 93-run performance against South Africa fell one run short of a century while she hit 10 boundaries and 2 sixes throughout her 84-ball innings. After hastening India’s scoring pace India conducted her dismissal in the final over.
Due to illness Laura Wolvaardt missed the crucial match while carrying the captain’s responsibilities for South African cricket team. Fielding errors and several misfields became major issues for South Africa because their captain was forced to leave due to sickness during the key match.
The Proteas’ most successful bowler during the match became Masabata Klaas after she took two wickets surrendering 51 runs. Nadine de Klerk also snagged two wickets for 54 runs. Spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba struggled again against Indian batters to give up 71 runs during her eight overs.
Scoring victory in their next match has become essential for South Africa to qualify for Sunday’s final as Tazmin Brits and Lara Goodall lead the run chase against India.
