India Women claimed a decisive victory over New Zealand Women in the third ODI, securing a 2-1 series win. The match, a captivating encounter, saw India chase down a target of 233 with six wickets remaining, thanks to a stellar performance by Smriti Mandhana, who notched her 8th ODI century, and a crucial contribution from captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who remained unbeaten on 59.
India’s Chase: A Masterclass in Calculated Aggression
The Indian chase was a testament to calculated aggression and astute shot selection. After Shafali Verma’s early dismissal, Smriti Mandhana took the responsibility of anchoring the innings. She displayed a composed and measured approach, leaving deliveries outside off stump – a weakness she had exhibited earlier in the series. In tandem with Yastika Bhatia, she forged a solid partnership, accumulating 76 runs and setting the foundation for a comfortable chase. Bhatia, in particular, looked assured, reaching 35 off 49 balls before succumbing to a sharp catch by Sophie Devine.
The Kaur-Mandhana Show
The partnership between Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana proved to be the game-changer. The experienced duo combined for a 117-run stand, tearing into the New Zealand bowlers. Kaur, despite dealing with some discomfort from cramp, exhibited her trademark aggression, smashing boundaries and keeping the scoreboard ticking over. Mandhana, meanwhile, continued her impressive form, reaching her century in style, becoming the highest century-maker for India Women in ODIs, surpassing the legendary Mithali Raj.
New Zealand’s Fight: A Story of Missed Opportunities
New Zealand, despite a valiant effort, ultimately fell short due to a series of missed opportunities. Their bowling lacked consistency, failing to restrict India’s batters, particularly in the crucial middle overs. The spinners, in particular, struggled to gain any purchase due to the dew factor, offering the Indian batters a comfortable platform. While Hannah Rowe and Sophie Devine picked up two wickets apiece, it wasn’t enough to derail India’s momentum.
A Moment of Disappointment
New Zealand also faltered in the field, dropping a couple of crucial catches. However, the Kiwi side displayed a fighting spirit, particularly in the first innings, where Brooke Halliday led the charge with a crucial 86 off 96 balls. Her innings helped New Zealand recover from a precarious 88/5, eventually posting a respectable total of 232. Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Gaze, and Lea Tahuhu also made valuable contributions with the bat.
A Fitting Conclusion to a Thrilling Series
The third ODI concluded a closely fought series, showcasing the growing competitiveness of women’s cricket. While India’s triumph was undoubtedly a significant achievement, it also highlighted the potential of the New Zealand women’s team, who despite the loss, displayed commendable resilience and determination. The victory for India, however, was a testament to their experience and their ability to rise to the occasion under pressure.
The series win bolsters India’s position in the ICC Women’s Championship table, solidifying their bid to qualify for the 2025 ODI World Cup. New Zealand, on the other hand, faces an uphill task in their quest for automatic qualification. Both sides will now be looking forward to their upcoming ODI engagements, with India taking on Australia in a three-match series and New Zealand set to face the same opponent in their next series.
The series finale was a fitting climax to a thrilling series, with India’s dominant performance providing a clear indication of their strength and potential. While New Zealand will be disappointed with the result, they will take valuable lessons from this series, lessons that will undoubtedly serve them well in their upcoming challenges. The future of women’s cricket is bright, with teams like India and New Zealand at the forefront of the sport’s global rise.
The Winning Moment
The final over saw India needing just 10 runs to win. Harmanpreet Kaur, with a cool head and a firm swing of the bat, hit a boundary off Sophie Devine, sealing a convincing six-wicket victory. The celebrations began, the trophy was lifted, and India Women reveled in their hard-earned success.
