Indian women begin with a bang

India got off to a flying start in the women's' cricket World Cup, beating South Africa by eight wickets in Christchurch on Thursday.

Chasing a target of 129 runs in 50 overs, India won with 10.2 overs to spare.

Mithali Raj, who remained unbeaten on 69, was declared woman-of-the-match.

India restricted South Africa to 128 for nine in the stipulated 50 overs, after electing to field.

At 62 for eight in 36 overs, South Africa were really struggling as Indian spinners Purnima Rau (3/12) and Rupanjali Shastri (2/27) cast a web around their batters.

Medium pacer Renu Margaret (2/15) gave India a good start, making early inroads into the South Africa batting.

South Africa skipper Kim Price added 66 runs for an unbroken ninth wicket stand with Y Van der Merwe to take the total to 128.

Starting their chase, India lost opener Anjum Chopra (15) in the ninth over when the total was 26. But young Mithali Raj added 54 runs with skipper Anju Jain (16) for the second wicket, and then 66 more with Chanderkanta Kaul for the unbroken third wicket as India cruised to victory.

Mithali's 69 came in 95 balls and included 11 fours. She won $200 NZ (Rs 3,800) for her sterling performance.

Mail Cricket Editor