INDW vs NZW ODI: ಸ್ಮೃತಿ ಮಂಧಾನ ಅಮೋಘ ಶತಕ; ಚಾಂಪಿಯನ್ ನ್ಯೂಜಿಲೆಂಡ್‌ಗೆ ಸರಣಿ ಸೋಲು from

IND vs NZ ODI Series: Smriti Mandhana's Majestic Century Sinks Champions New Zealand

A David vs Goliath Triumph

In a stunning upset, India's women cricket team led by Smriti Mandhana's magnificent century defeated the formidable New Zealand team in the final ODI of their three-match series, securing a 2-1 series victory. The match was a testament to the growing strength of Indian women's cricket and the resilience of a team that refused to be intimidated by its more experienced opponents.

Mandhana's Masterclass

Smriti Mandhana was the star of the show for India, scoring a blistering 102 runs off just 114 balls. Her innings was a masterclass in both technique and power, as she effortlessly dispatched the New Zealand bowlers to all parts of the ground. Mandhana's century was her 14th in ODIs, making her one of the most prolific run-scorers in the women's game.

Exceptional Support

While Mandhana's innings was undoubtedly the highlight of the match, she received excellent support from her teammates. Opener Shafali Verma chipped in with a valuable 29 runs, while wicket-keeper batter Richa Ghosh added an unbeaten 19. The Indian bowlers also put in a disciplined performance, with Jhulan Goswami, Meghna Singh, and Deepti Sharma all picking up wickets to restrict New Zealand to 191 runs.

A Deflating Defeat for New Zealand

For New Zealand, the defeat was a disappointing end to a series that they had dominated for much of its duration. The reigning World Cup champions had won the first ODI by a comfortable margin and were looking to seal the series in the second match. However, a resilient Indian side fought back to win the second ODI, setting the stage for a thrilling decider.

Learning from the Loss

Despite the setback, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine remained upbeat. She praised the Indian team for their fighting spirit and acknowledged that her side had not played to their full potential. Devine expressed confidence that the team would learn from their mistakes and bounce back stronger in the upcoming matches.

A Pivotal Moment

The ODI series victory against New Zealand is a significant moment in Indian women's cricket. It is a testament to the progress that the team has made in recent years and a sign of their growing ambitions. The series win is also a major boost for Indian cricket as a whole, as it shows that the women's game is continuing to develop and gain popularity.