In Mandhana's absence, debutant Priya Punia powers India to emphatic win
Vadodara: Debutant Priya Punia starred in injured Smriti Mandhana's absence following a fine bowling performance to set up India's emphatic eight-wicket win over South Africa in the first ODI here on Wednesday.
South Africa struggled with the bat after winning the toss, bowled out for 164 in 45.1 overs. It was an all-round bowling effort from India with Jhulan Goswami (3/33), Shikha Pandey (2/38), Ekta Bisht (2/8) and Poonam Yadav (2/33) sharing the bulk of the wickets.
India cantered to victory in 41.4 overs with openers Punia (75 not out off 124) and Jeminah Rodrigues (55 off 65) laying the foundation for a resounding win. The three-match series is not part of the Women's ODI Championship.
Punia, who has played three T20 Internationals, got the chance to play her maiden ODI after star opener Mandhana was ruled out on the eve of the game due to a fracture on her right toe. The 23-year-old from Jaipur hit eight boundaries.
Rodrigues was back among runs after a lean run in the preceding five-match T20 series and shared an 83-run stand with Punia. It was a second ODI half-century for the highly talented 19-year-old, who smashed seven fours.
It was also captain Mithali Raj's first game for India since March and with that she became the first female to last more than 20 years in international cricket, having made her debut back in June 1999. Raj retired from T20s last month.
After Goswami trapped Lizelle Lee on the first ball of the day, opener Laura Wolvaardt (39) and Trisha Chetty (14) tried to steady the innings.
From 89 for three, South Africa collapsed to 115 for seven. In the end, they did well to post 164 but it turned out to be a comfortable chase for the Indians.
Marizanne Kapp top scored for South Africa with 54 off 64 balls.
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Goa Liberation Day: CM Sawant urges industries, citizens to keep state clean, serene
Panaji (PTI): Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday appealed to industries and citizens to keep the coastal state clean and ensure that its beauty and serenity remain intact.
Addressing the state-level ‘Goa Liberation Day’ parade near Panaji, Sawant said maintaining cleanliness in the state is essential for the growth of the tourism sector.
The CM inspected the parade and took the guard of honour after unfurling the tricolour, in the presence of cabinet ministers and other guests.
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The state government has commissioned waste management plants to treat e-waste and hazardous waste, he said.
“I appeal to all industries not to dispose of their waste on the roadside in an unscientific manner. Facilities exist to treat all kinds of waste, and these should be used to keep Goa clean,” he said.
The chief minister said that citizens should shoulder the responsibility of keeping the state clean to retain its beauty and serenity.
He also urged the locals to work towards realising the visions of ‘Vikasit Bharat’ (Developed India) and ‘Vikasit Goa’ (Developed Goa).
Sawant thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre for “contributing in a big way to the development of the state”.
The Goa Liberation Day is celebrated on December 19 every year to mark the success of 'Operation Vijay' undertaken by the armed forces to liberate the state from the Portuguese in 1961.
