IND-W vs NZ-W: Smriti Mandhana's record century Helps India Women Seal Series 2-1

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IND-W vs NZ-W: In an enthralling finale to the three-match series, India Women chased down New Zealand's target of 233, winning by six wickets and clinching the series 2-1.

The star of the match was Smriti Mandhana, who scored a remarkable century, becoming the Indian woman with the most ODI hundreds, surpassing the legendary Mithali Raj.

India began their innings chasing New Zealand's total of 232 all out in 49.5 overs. Although they lost Shafali Verma early, caught by Hannah Rowe off the bowling of Fran Jonas, Mandhana and Yastika Bhatia steadied the ship with a solid partnership. Mandhana showcased her elegant stroke play, reaching her half-century off 62 balls, while Yastika contributed a valuable 35 runs.

As the chase progressed, Mandhana's rhythm only intensified. With her stylish batting, she took charge, scoring boundaries with ease. She moved into the 90s and, on the 122nd ball, struck a single to reach her century, marking her eighth ODI ton and solidifying her place in history. Unfortunately, immediately after reaching the milestone, she was bowled by Rowe, bringing her impressive innings of 100 runs to an end.

India, now needing 22 runs to win, faced a minor hiccup when Jemimah Rodrigues fell LBW to Jonas for 22, raising concerns among the Indian fans. However, captain Harmanpreet Kaur remained calm and composed at the crease, guiding the team toward victory. With an impressive display of batting, Kaur scored the winning run, finishing the match at 236 for 4 in just 44.2 overs.

The Indian bowlers played a crucial role in restricting New Zealand to 232 runs. Deepti Sharma's vital wickets, including that of Brooke Halliday, who top-scored for New Zealand with an excellent 89, were instrumental in breaking partnerships. Renuka Singh and Priya Mishra also contributed with key wickets, ensuring that New Zealand couldn't build significant momentum after their strong start.

Mandhana's century not only secured the match but also highlighted her evolution as a crucial player for the Indian team. As the players celebrated their hard-fought series victory, it was a moment to remember for Mandhana and her teammates, who showcased their determination and skill on home soil.