IND W vs SA W | Twitter laughs as Mlaba dishes light-hearted send-off after getting better of Harleen

‌South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt had no hesitation in opting to bowl first under overcast conditions against India in the Women’s ODI World Cup match in Visakhapatnam. Opener Pratika Rawal looked aggressive, while her senior partner Smriti Mandhana looked scratchy and took her time to get off the blocks in a surprising role reversal.

The opening duo added 55 runs in the mandatory powerplay before Nonkululeko Mlaba ended Mandhana’s struggling innings. New batter Harleen Deol started slowly, and Pratika also slowed down as India managed just 19 runs in the next six overs.

Wlovaardt continued with Mlaba as the left-arm spinner was on the point, giving away just nine runs in her first three overs. After going off her radar to concede a wide four in the second ball, the spinner came roaring back with a delivery seen as a left-armer’s delight.

Off the last ball of the same over, she flighted one that pitched on a length around middle and leg stump, drawing Harleen forward. But the ball turned appreciably, going past her bat and crashed into the off stump.

Harleen’s innings was cut short by a jaffa from Mlaba, who celebrated with a friendly goodbye wave at the batter. Wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta was also amused as she came in running towards a beaming Mlaba, imitating her celebration.

Twitter was in awe as Mlaba showed her class for a second straight game after her impressive four-wicket haul against New Zealand in the last.

What a delivery!

— Sanjuvsamson (@Sanjuvsams50351) 

Just couldn't

Harleen deol had A Chance to Sealed his Place in This Wc, took time But Couldn't convert it into 60's.. 98/4.  

— AnuP MaHapatrA🇮🇳 (@am_i_anup) 

Failure

Failure of middle order especially Harleen Deol is always a headache for the women's cricket team.

Do you think we should look other options ? 

— ameen_yours (@ameen_yours) 

Bad situation

23 Runs - Smriti Mandhana

13 Runs - Harleen Deol

37 Runs - Pratika Rawal

Duck - Jemimah Rodrigues



India 92 - 4 In 22 Overs Against South Africa 💔  

— Cricket भक्त (@CricBhakt7380) 

Trouble

Smriti Mandhana - 23

Pratika Rawal - 37

Harleen Deol - 13

Jemimah Rodrigues - 0



TEAM INDIA'S 90/4 IN ICC WOMEN'S WORLD CUP AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA AT VIZAG.🥶

— MANU. (@IMManu_18) 

Brainless

No matter how brainless Shafali Verma appeared during her batting whenever she got out, bt she was more enjoyable during her stay in crease, now we have to face the torturous tuk-tuk of Pratika and Harleen deol

— Helicopter 🚁 (@gullycricketarr) 

Relaxed

Harleen deol is relaxed cricketer

— rahul (@rahul38793786) 

Why?

Why is Harleen Deol in this team??  

— nilesh (@nile_05) 

Bye bye

Mlaba sends back Harleen Deol 🚶‍♀️



And now we have the Indian captain coming in 🧢 

— Madhura Gurav (@QuillofMadhura) 

Never ever

Watching Harleen Deol bat, it seems she can never hit a six.  

— Aryan Khan (@believer_0)