Mandhana’s Century Powers India to Victory in Series Decider

Smriti Mandhana struck her third ODI century of 2024 as India clinched the series-decider against New Zealand at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, marking their first series win by breaking the series’ bat-first win pattern. Mandhana’s composed 100 off 122 balls anchored India’s chase of 232, securing a six-wicket victory with 34 balls to spare, sealing the series 2-1.

India’s chase began cautiously after the early dismissal of Shafali Verma, who was caught down the leg side by Hannah Rowe. With a manageable target, Mandhana initially took her time, reaching just 9 off 26 balls before finding her rhythm with shots like a powerful pull off Sophie Devine and a smooth straight drive off Eden Carson. Alongside Yastika Bhatia, who contributed 35 in a steady 76-run partnership, Mandhana built a solid foundation until Bhatia was caught by Devine.

Any chance of a New Zealand comeback was halted as Harmanpreet Kaur joined Mandhana, rotating strike and adding pace to the chase. Mandhana crossed fifty in 73 balls, then picked up speed with boundaries in successive overs, totaling 10 by the end. Harmanpreet, despite needing brief treatment for a leg issue, continued the steady advance, reaching her half-century off 54 balls.

The turning point came in the 37th over as both batters ramped up the pace, with Harmanpreet striking a boundary and Mandhana following suit with two more. Mandhana reached her century by surpassing Mithali Raj’s Indian record for most ODI tons by an Indian woman before eventually falling with just 24 runs needed. Jemimah Rodrigues quickly wrapped up the chase with 22 off 18 balls, hitting four boundaries.

India’s performance in the field was also a highlight. After some missed chances in the previous game, they executed three run-outs, including the key wicket of Suzie Bates, dismissed by Jemimah Rodrigues. Priya Mishra impressed with her leg-spin, claiming the wickets of Devine and Georgia Plimmer, with Deepti Sharma also shining in the field after a tough previous game.

New Zealand was restricted to 88 for 5 as India maintained pressure, with Brooke Halliday’s 86 off 96 anchoring their recovery alongside Isabella Gaze in a 64-run stand. Despite a late surge from Halliday, who hit three sixes, and Deepti Sharma’s three-wicket haul, New Zealand’s total of 232 was insufficient as India completed the chase comfortably.

Image Credits: The Indian Express

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