IND Women beat NZ Women in 5th ODI: Records broken
The Indian women's cricket team beat New Zealand Women in the fifth and final ODI on Thursday. New Zealand had earlier wrapped up the series 4-0 as India pulled one back today. Batting first, NZ Women managed 251/9 in 50 overs. Amelia Kerr scored 66. In response, India Women sealed the deal in 46 overs (255/4). Here's more.
How did the match pan out?
Batting first, NZ Women rode on Kerr's half-century and some decent contributions from the others to post 251/9. India managed to take crucial wickets at key moments. Sneh Rana was the top performer. In response, India Women saw Smriti Mandhana slam 71 from 84 balls. Harmanpreet Kaur hit 63 from 66 balls. Mithali Raj contributed as well.
Why does this story matter?
This was a consolation win for India Women in a series where their opponents were top-notch. India finally impressed with an all-round show and this will please them. For NZ Women, Amelia Kerr stood tall throughout the series and today she delivered once again. Credit to the Indian bowlers for stepping up and doing well.
Mithali slams her 62nd ODI fifty
Mithali Raj hit a 66-ball 57*. She slammed six fours. The senior batter has raced to 7,623 runs at 51.85. She registered her 62nd ODI fifty. Raj has gone past 1,200 runs against the White Ferns. She has 1,230 runs at 47.30. She slammed her ninth fifty versus NZ Women.
Feats achieved by Harmanpreet and Smriti
Harmanpreet Kaur hit 63 from 66 balls, managing six fours and a six. The star Indian cricketer has raced to 2,664 runs at 34.15. She now has 13 fifties in ODIs. Harmanpreet has also surpassed 300 runs versus NZ Women (328). Smriti Mandhana has raced to 2,461 runs at 41.71. She hit her 20th ODI fifty, besides going past 400 runs versus NZ (405).
