India took a 1-0 lead by hammering the Proteas Women by 143-runs in the 1st One-Day International played in Bengaluru.

In had a bat first on Sunday and scored 265/8 in their allotted 50-overs with Smriti Mandhana scoring a brilliant 117-runs.

Down the order, Deeptri Sharma scored 37-tuns while Pooja Vastrakar contributed with 31.

The seamer Ayabonga Khaka was South Africa's best bowler with 3/47 in her 10-overs while the Botshabelo-born Masabata Klaas took 2/51.

In reply, only Suné Luus really troubled the scorers with 33-runs, while the wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta scored 27 and the allrounder Marizanne Kapp scored 24. A lack of partnerships led to South Africa being bowled out for just 122-runs in 37.4 overs.

A positive for South Africa was that the destructive opening batter, Tazmin Brits, made her return from injury with a knock of 18-runs.

Asha Sobhana was the star with the ball for India with 4/21 in 8.4-overs. Sharma was also brilliant with the ball with 2/10 in 6-overs.

The second ODI will be played on Wednesday in Bengaluru.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport