Smriti Mandhana finished the three-match Women’s ODI series on a high as India snatched a six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the thrilling final. Smriti batted fantastically with 100 runs off 122 balls, this achievement marked her 8th ODI hundred. She surpassed Mithali Raj’s record to script history with her ODI ton. India successfully chased the 233-run target and crossed over to win the match within 44.2 overs going into the second game.
A phenomenal win by our Indian Women’s Team against New Zealand! 🇮🇳 Massive applause for @mandhana_smriti on her century and @ImHarmanpreet for a powerful half-century. With this 2-1 series victory, you’ve made us proud once again! 🏆 #WomenInBlue #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/kw4F8Vdlhy
---Advertisement---— Jay Shah (@JayShah) October 29, 2024
Team India Successfully Chase The Target
New Zealand set up a testing score of 232 for five, but most of the credit to this score goes to Brooke Halliday, as she scored 86 runs from 96 balls and helped her team come out of a precarious position when they were just at 88 for five.
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So far, Smriti has been not so up to mark in the competition, with just five runs in two matches, but nothing spectacular when she played during the last T20 World Cup. However, her substantial innings consisted of a huge 118-run stand with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who remained unbeaten on 59 off 63 deliveries.
WATCH- Smriti Mandhana Hit A Record Breaking Ton
🚨 THE HISTORIC MOMENT. 🚨
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 29, 2024
Smriti Mandhana surpasses Mithali Raj to have most hundreds for India in women's ODIs. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/Unwxh9qmtY
Mandhana was quick to lose opening partner Shafali Verma for 12, but Yastika Bhatia batted well, scoring 35 runs as they combined for a good 76-run stand. Yastika’s innings came to an end when she tried a shot outside off and gave New Zealand captain Sophie Devine a return catch. Harmanpreet, meanwhile, walked in. And together, she and Mandhana flourished so much that Mandhana ended up hitting 10 boundaries before being bowled out by Hannah Rowe in the 41st over.
New Zealand’s Struggle
New Zealand’s innings was an early struggle affair, but New Zealand kept their discipline in their bowling. India had the hosts 25 for two in the first eight overs with a brilliant run-out thanks to Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika, as well as Saima Thakor dismissing Lauren Down. Young leg-spinner Priya Mishra told the tale with the scalps of Sophie Devine, leaving New Zealand reeling at 36 for three. With the course of the innings, Georgia Plimmer tried to steer the ship but could make only 39 runs from 67 balls before she was sent back to the pavilion by Mishra. Maddy Green’s stint of 19 runs off a ball came to a run-out, leaving New Zealand in a precarious state at 88 for five.
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The Kiwis finally found some rhythm going on with Halliday and wicketkeeper Isabella Gaze contributing a crucial 64-run partnership for the sixth wicket to help their team reach a more competitive total.
(With PTI Inputs)
