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Smriti Mandharana's century followed by Harmanpreet Kaur's 59 not-out helped India to defeat New Zealand by six wickets in third and final women's ODI to win series 2-1. After opting to bat, New Zealand scored 232 runs as India managed to bowl out the visitors in 49.5 overs at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Smriti Mandhana scored a brilliant 100 off 122 balls, marking her eighth ODI century—the most by an Indian in this format. This strong performance helped India chase down New Zealand’s target of 233 runs in just 44.2 overs.
New Zealand had fought back to reach 232 for five after struggling at 88 for five, thanks in part to Brooke Halliday's impressive 86 off 96 deliveries. Mandhana had a quiet start to the series, having only scored five runs in the first two matches and struggling in the preceding T20 World Cup. However, her solid innings, along with a crucial 118-run partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored 59 not out off 63 balls, laid the foundation for an easy victory.
Mandhana lost her opening partner Shafali Verma early for 12 runs, but wicketkeeper Yastika Bhatia provided valuable support, scoring 35 and helping to build a 76-run partnership before she was dismissed attempting a drive, caught by New Zealand captain Sophie Devine.
Mandhana hit 10 boundaries and was eventually bowled by Hannah Rowe in the 41st over, having effectively secured the win for India by the time she left the crease.
Earlier, New Zealand's middle-order batter Halliday's 86 runs lifted her team to a competitive total after the Indian bowlers had them in trouble with disciplined performances.
India started strong, dismissing two Kiwi batters for just 25 runs in 7.1 overs. Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika combined for a run-out of Suzie Bates, while Saima Thakor took out Lauren Down shortly after.
Young leg-spinner Priya Mishra made a significant impact by bowling out Sophie Devine in the 11th over, leaving New Zealand struggling at 36 for three. Georgia Plimmer attempted to stabilize the innings but was dismissed for 39 runs, and Maddy Green was run out shortly after, leaving New Zealand at 88 for five in the 24th over.
Eventually, Halliday and Isabella Gaze found their rhythm, adding 64 runs for the sixth wicket, but the early losses had already put New Zealand on the back foot.
