In a decisive performance, Smriti Mandhana led India to a 2-1 series victory over New Zealand in the Women’s ODI series, playing an innings that showcased her calibre. India won by six wickets in the final game, comfortably chasing New Zealand’s target of 233 in 44.2 overs. Mandhana, who had struggled in previous matches, came through with her 8th ODI century, making her the Indian batter with the most hundreds in the format. Her 100-run effort off 122 balls, combined with a 118-run partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur (59 not out off 63 balls), became the backbone of India’s successful chase.Smriti Mandhana makes history, surpassing Mithali Raj as India clinch ODI series win against New Zealand.
Mandhana, who had only scored five runs across the first two ODIs and experienced a dip in form during the T20 World Cup, regained her rhythm in this innings. After losing opener Shafali Verma (12) early, wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia (35) provided crucial support with a 76-run partnership alongside Mandhana. Yastika eventually fell to a return catch by New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine, after attempting a fuller delivery outside off. Harmanpreet then joined Mandhana at the crease, and their partnership flourished, with Mandhana striking 10 boundaries before she was dismissed at 209 by pacer Hannah Rowe in the 41st over.
Earlier in the game, New Zealand’s innings was held together by middle-order batter Brooke Halliday, whose 96-ball 86 lifted the team to a competitive total of 232 for five after a precarious start. The Indian bowlers dominated early on, leaving New Zealand struggling at 25 for two in just over seven overs. Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia combined to run out Suzie Bates, while Saima Thakor dismissed Lauren Down in the eighth over.Smriti Mandhana makes history, surpassing Mithali Raj as India clinch ODI series win against New Zealand.
Leg-spinner Priya Mishra, introduced in the 11th over, made an immediate impact by bowling out New Zealand captain Sophie Devine (9), putting New Zealand in a difficult position at 36 for three. Georgia Plimmer tried to steady the innings, managing 39 runs off 67 balls, but was eventually dismissed by Mishra, with Maddy Green being run out soon after, leaving New Zealand at 88 for five.Smriti Mandhana makes history, surpassing Mithali Raj as India clinch ODI series win against New Zealand.
Halliday then partnered with wicketkeeper Isabella Gaze (25 off 49 balls) to put together a crucial 64-run stand for the sixth wicket, helping New Zealand to a more respectable score. However, Mandhana’s commanding performance at the crease ensured India’s comfortable victory and secured the series, allowing the team to recover some ground after their T20 World Cup exit.
