In a thrilling conclusion to the One Day International series against New Zealand, India defeated the visitors by 76 runs in Ahmedabad, clinching the series 2-1. A pivotal factor in India's success was the remarkable innings from Smriti Mandhana, who scored her third century of the year, alongside significant contributions from Harmanpreet Kaur. The stage was well set for the Indian chase after New Zealand posted a total of 232 runs.
New Zealand began the match by batting first and experienced early setbacks, stumbling to 88 for 5 in the 24th over. However, a determined effort from Brooke Halliday enabled her team to recover, ultimately finishing their innings at 232 all out in 49.5 overs. Halliday's career-best score of 86 runs came from 96 deliveries, illustrating her resilience in a challenging context. Earlier in the series, teams batting first had dominated, winning both preceding ODIs, but India demonstrated a strong response, capable of turning the tide.
Smriti Mandhana entered the crease with a previous series marked by uncertainty, having scored just five runs in her first two outings. With a keen sense of caution, she approached New Zealand's target with a mindful batting strategy. In the initial overs, Mandhana exhibited patience, allowing her innings to build gradually. Despite a rocky start that saw her at just 9 runs off 26 balls, her resolve paid off significantly as she found her rhythm.
During the third ODI, Mandhana experienced a moment of fortune with an inside edge that could have cost her a wicket, a close call that illustrated the fine line between success and failure. This stroke of luck seemed to rejuvenate her confidence, allowing her to fully engage in the match.
Partnerships were critical in India's innings. Mandhana formed a solid alliance with Yastika Bhatia, and together they constructed a partnership that saw India advance steadily. As the pair added 76 runs for the second wicket, their collaborative efforts demonstrated both skill and temperament. Following Bhatia's dismissal for 35 runs, Harmanpreet Kaur stepped into a pivotal role, bringing stability and leadership to the chase.
With a firm platform established, Harmanpreet and Mandhana systematically curtailed the required runs. Mandhana reached her half-century with a well-timed shot, and soon after, Kaur also found her footing, showcasing deadly precision in her drives and cuts. Their positive contributions culminated in a crucial 50-run partnership for the third wicket, emphasizing India's dominance and intent on the field.
Despite experiencing cramps, Harmanpreet remained undeterred, producing a flurry of aggressive shots alongside Mandhana. The latter eventually reached her century, marking her eighth ODI ton, as she expertly maneuvered the ball to secure runs through the covers. Shortly after her milestone, Mandhana's innings concluded as she fell victim to Hannah Rowe, yet her contributions had already paved the way for India's victory.
As Jemimah Rodrigues entered the crease, the closing moments of the match were marked by energy and urgency, with Rodrigues finding boundaries almost immediately. She eventually fell to an lbw decision while the team was just one run away from sealing the match, but Kaur fittingly completed the formalities, finishing the match in the 45th over.
In contrast, New Zealand's innings faced challenges early on, as their openers struggled against a determined Indian bowling attack. India’s fielding considerably improved from previous matches, highlighting their commitment to claim a series victory. Star players like Radha Yadav and Rodrigues were instrumental in putting pressure on New Zealand's batting order, contributing significantly to the team's defensive strategies.
Halliday stood as a beacon of hope for the New Zealand lineup, displaying poise and technique in her innings. Through vital partnerships, particularly with Izabella Gaze and Hannah Rowe, Halliday managed to weave a path towards a feasible total. Despite the challenges and chaotic communication issues at times, Halliday kept the scoreboard ticking and benefited from a few fortunate moments, including a couple of boundaries struck in quick succession towards the end of her innings.
Ultimately, Halliday's efforts concluded as she fell in the closing overs, finishing just short of her team's ultimate goal. The contributions from the lower order, particularly an invigorated effort from Lea Tahuhu, aided in crossing the 230-run mark, yet they fell well short of mounting a competitive enough total against India's formidable batting lineup.
In the aftermath of the contest, Deepti Sharma’s impressive performance throughout the series earned her the distinction of Player of the Series, showcasing her all-round capabilities. In summation, this match not only marked a significant triumph for India but also illustrated the high stakes and competitive spirit embodied in this enthralling ODI series against New Zealand.