Smriti Mandhana press conference India Women vs New Zealand Women, 3rd ODI

India Women Clinch Series with Dominant Win Over New Zealand in 3rd ODI

Ahmedabad: In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, India Women sealed the ODI series against New Zealand Women with a decisive six-wicket win in the third and final ODI at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The standout performer, Smriti Mandhana, led India’s chase with a flawless century, her eighth in ODIs, as India comfortably chased down New Zealand’s 232 with over five overs to spare.

Clinical Chase Led by Mandhana

Mandhana was at her fluent best, effortlessly navigating New Zealand’s bowling attack. Opening with her characteristic poise and timing, she held the Indian innings together from the start. Her 100-run knock off 122 balls was a blend of precision and elegance, dotted with brilliant boundaries that kept India’s chase on track. Yastika Bhatia provided solid support with a 35-run contribution before skipper Harmanpreet Kaur took over in the latter part of the chase.

The highlight of the innings was the 117-run stand between Mandhana and Harmanpreet, which effectively took the game away from New Zealand. Harmanpreet’s aggressive 59 off 63 balls ensured there were no late jitters as India cruised to victory with 44.2 overs on the board. The duo demonstrated excellent chemistry, picking up singles at will and accelerating when required, further underscoring India’s dominance in the series.

Mandhana brought up her century with a textbook push down the ground, acknowledging the applause with a composed smile and a hug from her captain—a moment of celebration that capped off her chanceless knock.

New Zealand Struggles Against Indian Bowlers

Earlier in the day, New Zealand’s decision to bat first after winning the toss seemed promising but soon turned challenging as India’s spinners found considerable purchase on the Ahmedabad track. Deepti Sharma, India’s ace all-rounder, took full advantage of the conditions, scalping four crucial wickets, including the key dismissals of Brooke Halliday and Isabella Gaze. She finished with figures of 4 for 39, showcasing her knack for breaking partnerships just as they started to form.

Priya Mishra also shone with the ball, dismissing Georgia Plimmer and Sophie Devine, and was well-supported by Saima Thakor and Renuka Singh, who each chipped in with a wicket. New Zealand’s top-order batters, including Suzie Bates and Devine, were unable to convert their starts into big scores. Bates fell early due to a brilliant run-out by Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia, while Devine was bowled out by a well-flighted delivery from Mishra.

Brooke Halliday fought hard with a well-made 69, but with limited support from the lower order, New Zealand’s innings concluded at 232 all out in 49.5 overs, a total that seemed competitive but ultimately proved insufficient on a surface that eased up in the second innings.

A key difference in the contest was how effectively the Indian spinners adapted to the conditions. Where Deepti Sharma and Priya Mishra were able to extract turn and variation, New Zealand’s spinners struggled to find similar purchase. Eden Carson, Fran Jonas, and Sophie Devine tried to apply pressure, but the Indian batters neutralized their impact through excellent footwork and shot selection.

Score Summary:

New Zealand Women: 232 all out in 49.5 overs (Brooke Halliday 69, Deepti Sharma 4/39, Priya Mishra 2/41)
India Women: 236/4 in 44.2 overs (Smriti Mandhana 100, Harmanpreet Kaur 59*, Hannah Rowe 2/47)

India Women won by six wickets and take the series by 2-1