Smriti Mandhana’s Record-Breaking Century Secures India’s ODI Series Win Over New Zealand

Ahmedabad, October 29, 2024: Smriti Mandhana’s exceptional century powered India to a six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the decisive third ODI at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday, securing the series 2-1. Mandhana’s ton, her eighth in Women’s ODIs, not only anchored India’s chase but also set a new record for the most hundreds by an Indian woman in the format, surpassing Mithali Raj’s seven centuries.

Opting to bat first, New Zealand had a steady start at 23/0 in the first six overs. However, India’s bowlers, led by Priya Mishra and Deepti Sharma, struck back between the seventh and eleventh overs, dismissing key batters Suzie Bates (4), Lauren Down (1), and captain Sophie Devine (9) for single-digit scores. Brooke Halliday played a gritty innings, scoring 86 off 96 balls with nine fours and three sixes, while Georgia Plimmer (39) and Izzy Gaze (25) contributed with key partnerships. Despite late fireworks from Lea Tahuhu, New Zealand were bowled out for 232 on the penultimate delivery of their innings. Deepti Sharma was India’s standout bowler, taking 3/39, while Priya Mishra and Renuka Singh also chipped in with crucial wickets.

Chasing 233, India faced an early setback when Hannah Rowe dismissed Shafali Verma with a successful review. However, Yastika Bhatia joined Mandhana, and the duo built a solid 76-run partnership, steadying India’s chase. Harmanpreet Kaur then entered and crafted an impressive 117-run stand with Mandhana, who reached her record-breaking century off 121 balls. Mandhana’s dismissal left India needing just 23 runs, which were quickly knocked off by Jemimah Rodrigues’ spirited 22-run cameo, sealing the victory in 44.2 overs.

This win places India in third place in the ICC Women’s Championship standings with 25 points from 15 matches, while New Zealand sits sixth with 20 points from 21 matches. The Women in Blue are set to face Australia in an upcoming three-match ODI series in December, while New Zealand will play their next series against Australia on home turf.

Brief Score:
New Zealand 232 (Brooke Halliday 86, Georgia Plimmer 39; Deepti Sharma 3/39) vs India 236/4 (Smriti Mandhana 100, Harmanpreet Kaur 59; Hannah Rowe 2/47).