Ahmedabad: In a thrilling series decider at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, Smriti Mandhana’s stellar century led India to a commanding six-wicket victory over New Zealand, breaking the bat-first-win trend and securing a 2-1 series triumph. Mandhana scored 100 off 122 balls, building key partnerships with Yastika Bhatia (35) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (59*), as India chased down New Zealand’s 232-run target with 34 balls to spare.
Despite an early setback with Shafali Verma’s dismissal by Hannah Rowe, India’s chase was never truly under threat. Mandhana, after a cautious start, found her rhythm, delivering a stylish pull off Sophie Devine and a lofted drive off Eden Carson that energized her innings. Her partnership with Bhatia, who contributed a steady 35, added 76 runs before Devine’s caught-and-bowled ended Bhatia’s stay.
The pace only picked up from there, as Harmanpreet and Mandhana’s partnership quashed any hope of a New Zealand comeback. Mandhana accelerated after her fifty, finding boundaries in consecutive overs to keep India well ahead of the required run rate. Even a minor injury requiring Harmanpreet’s treatment did little to halt India’s momentum. The pair’s intent was clear by the 37th over, as they combined for a series of boundaries off Devine’s bowling, with Harmanpreet reaching her half-century in 54 balls and Mandhana bringing up her eighth ODI century soon after, setting a new Indian record.
When Mandhana finally fell with just 24 runs needed, Jemimah Rodrigues ensured the finish was swift, striking four boundaries in a brisk 18-ball 22 to close out the chase in the 45th over.
India’s victory was built as much on fielding discipline as on batting. Learning from their errors in the previous game, the Indian team put on a strong display in the field, securing three run-outs and an early wicket from Rodrigues, who dismissed opener Suzie Bates.
New Zealand’s innings saw promising starts, with Georgia Plimmer making 39 and captain Sophie Devine striking early boundaries before Priya Mishra bowled her out with a clever wrong ‘un. Mishra, playing only her second ODI, also dismissed Plimmer with an edge caught by Deepti Sharma, who redeemed herself after dropping three catches in the prior game.
Brooke Halliday emerged as New Zealand’s standout performer, scoring a career-best 86 off 96 balls and adding crucial runs with Isabella Gaze (25) to push the total to 232. However, Deepti Sharma’s three-wicket haul and an all-around fielding improvement kept New Zealand in check, despite a late surge that saw India concede 70 runs in the final eight overs.
Ultimately, it wasn’t enough as India’s batters, led by Mandhana, ensured a comfortable win to seal the series.
Brief Scores:
New Zealand 232 in 49.5 overs (Brooke Halliday 86, Georgia Plimmer 39; Deepti Sharma 3-39, Priya Mishra 2-41)
India 236/4 in 44.2 overs (Smriti Mandhana 100, Harmanpreet Kaur 59*; Hannah Rowe 2-47)