In a breathtaking display of talent, Smriti Mandhana led India Women to a decisive six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final match, clinching the three-match Women’s ODI series 2-1 on Tuesday. Mandhana, with her 100 runs off 122 balls, achieved her 8th ODI century—the most by any Indian player in this format—and showcased the caliber that fans have come to expect from her.

A Historic Innings

India comfortably chased down the target of 233 runs in just 44.2 overs. New Zealand had managed to recover to a total of 232 for five after being in dire straits at 88 for five, thanks to Brooke Halliday’s impressive 86 runs off 96 balls. Coming into the match, Mandhana had scored only five runs in the previous two games and had struggled in the recent T20 World Cup. However, her commanding 123-ball innings and a vital 118-run partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who finished with 59 not out off 63 balls, laid the groundwork for the victory.

Mandhana lost her opening partner Shafali Verma (12) early on, but wicketkeeper Yastika Bhatia (35) provided solid support, contributing to a 76-run partnership. Yastika was dismissed while attempting a shot outside off, resulting in a return catch to New Zealand captain Sophie Devine. This brought Harmanpreet to the crease, and their partnership blossomed as Mandhana unleashed a flurry of boundaries. By the time Mandhana was bowled by right-arm pacer Hannah Rowe in the 41st over, with India at 209, she had nearly completed the task.

Indian Bowlers Restrict New Zealand

Earlier, New Zealand’s middle-order batter Halliday played valiantly, scoring 86 runs off 96 balls to help her team post a respectable total. The Indian bowlers struck early, maintaining a disciplined line and length that put the visitors under constant pressure.

Looking to win the series and recover from an early exit in the T20 World Cup, India began aggressively, taking two early wickets to leave New Zealand at 25 for two in just 7.1 overs. Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika combined to run out Suzie Bates, while Saima Thakor dismissed Lauren Down at the start of the eighth over.

Young leg-spinner Priya Mishra (2/41 in 10 overs) made a significant impact when she bowled New Zealand captain Sophie Devine (9 off 11 balls) in the 11th over, leaving the visitors struggling at 36 for three.

New Zealand’s hopes of setting a competitive score rested heavily on Georgia Plimmer, who tried to anchor the innings under challenging circumstances. However, after reaching 39 runs, she fell to Mishra, her innings spanning 67 balls. Maddy Green was run out for 19 runs off 15 balls, further deepening New Zealand’s troubles at 88 for five in the 24th over.

After several struggles, the Kiwis found some momentum with Halliday and wicketkeeper Isabella Gaze (25 off 49 balls) adding 64 runs for the sixth wicket.

Here’s the score breakdown for the match between India Women and New Zealand Women:

Match Summary

New Zealand Women Innings:

• Total: 232 runs all out in 48 overs

• Top Scorers:

• Brooke Halliday: 86 runs off 96 balls (7 fours, 2 sixes)

• Amelia Kerr: 39 runs off 54 balls (2 fours)

• Georgia Plimmer: 39 runs off 67 balls (3 fours)

• Best Bowling for India:

• Rajeshwari Gayakwad: 3 wickets for 35 runs in 10 overs

• Priya Mishra: 2 wickets for 41 runs in 10 overs

• Saima Thakor: 1 wicket for 47 runs in 8 overs

India Women Innings:

• Total: 236 runs for 4 wickets in 44.2 overs

• Top Scorers:

• Smriti Mandhana: 100 runs off 122 balls (10 fours, 2 sixes)

• Harmanpreet Kaur: 59 runs not out off 63 balls (4 fours)

• Yastika Bhatia: 35 runs off 37 balls (4 fours)

• Best Bowling for New Zealand:

• Hannah Rowe: 2 wickets for 46 runs in 10 overs

• Sophie Devine: 1 wicket for 45 runs in 10 overs

Key Partnerships:

• Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur: 118 runs for the 4th wicket

• Mandhana and Yastika Bhatia: 76 runs for the 2nd wicket

Conclusion: A New Era for Indian Women’s Cricket

Smriti Mandhana’s remarkable century not only secured India’s series victory but also highlighted the team’s potential as a formidable force in women’s cricket. As they look ahead to future challenges, Mandhana’s return to form will be crucial for India’s success on the international stage. With talented players rising through the ranks, the future of Indian women’s cricket is undoubtedly bright, and fans can expect more thrilling performances in the matches to come.

Follow Thesportsprince.com for in-depth articles and expert insights.