• Team India registered a impressive win over New Zealand in the third and final Women's ODI.

  • Smriti Mandhana bagged the Player of the Match for her splendid century.

Twitter reactions: Smriti Mandhana hits a dazzling century as India beat New Zealand to clinch Women’s ODI series
Smriti Mandhana guides India to series-clinching win (Image Source: X)

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India claimed a comprehensive 6-wicket victory in the third and deciding ODI against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium, wrapping up the series 2-1. After restricting New Zealand to a total of 232, India successfully chased down the target in 44.2 overs, driven by Smriti Mandhana‘s brilliant knock and a solid all-round performance from the bowling attack. With this victory, India sealed a memorable series win, showcasing their growing dominance in women’s cricket on home soil.

Brooke Halliday’s standout knock steadies New Zealand’s innings

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, New Zealand Women faced early setbacks but found resilience in Brooke Halliday‘s brilliant 86 off 96 balls. Halliday was the linchpin of the New Zealand innings, hitting nine boundaries and three sixes to build crucial partnerships and revive New Zealand’s prospects. Although Georgia Plimmer added a steady 39, New Zealand struggled with consistency as wickets fell at regular intervals, preventing them from posting a formidable score. Halliday’s well-paced innings helped her side reach a respectable total, though they ultimately fell short of putting significant pressure on the Indian lineup.

Deepti Sharma shines with a clinical bowling spell

India’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with Deepti Sharma leading the way by claiming three crucial wickets for 39 runs in her full quota of 10 overs. Sharma’s accuracy and intelligent variations kept the New Zealand batters in check, especially through the middle overs, where she removed set batters to curb New Zealand’s scoring momentum. Priya Mishra (2/41) and Saima Thakor (1/44) provided excellent support, each chipping in with key dismissals to ensure that New Zealand couldn’t accelerate. This efficient bowling display laid a strong foundation for India’s chase, restricting New Zealand to a manageable target.

Also WATCH: INDW vs NZW – Deepti Sharma pulls off a stunning catch in the slips to dismiss Georgia Plimmer

Smriti Mandhana’s impressive ton guides India to victory

Chasing 232, India’s innings was anchored by an exceptional century from Mandhana, who scored 100 off 122 balls, showcasing her skill with precise boundary placements and well-timed singles. Mandhana partnered with Yastika Bhatia (35 off 49) and Harmanpreet Kaur (59 off 63) to construct steady partnerships that thwarted New Zealand’s hopes of defending their total. Mandhana’s composed approach allowed India to chase down the target comfortably, and her innings was a masterclass in building a successful run chase, blending patience and aggression as needed.

Fans on social media Laud Mandhana for her stellar knock

Following the match, Mandhana’s impressive century received widespread appreciation from fans and cricket pundits alike. Social media was abuzz with praise for the Indian opener’s performance, as fans celebrated her crucial role in securing the series. Many took to X (Twitter) to commend her maturity under pressure, with cricketing figures highlighting her as a leader and a role model for young aspiring cricketers. Mandhana’s knock not only earned her the Player of the Match award but also reinforced her position as one of the premier batters in women’s cricket.

Also READ: An Exclusive Interview with star India player Punam Raut: Role models, cricketing journey, favourite memories, Women’s ODI World Cup 2017 setback

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AKSHAT GAUR
Akshat is the Sr. Content Strategist at CricketTimes.com. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Akshat has honed his skills over 6 years, working with various media outlets, publications, and organizations to deliver high-quality content that informs, educates, and entertains audiences. He is just another cricket fan who’s grown up watching the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. Cricket runs in his veins. Cover drive is his favorite sight, and a ball meeting the middle of the bat is his favorite sound. You can write to him at akshat.gaur@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter, Facebook & Linkedin.