The Indian women’s team finally had something to cheer about on this tour of New Zealand after they clinched a win in the final ODI in Queenstown. Chasing 252, the visiting side went over the line by 6 wickets and with four overs to spare.
India lost an early wicket in the form of Shafali Verma’s dismissal as she was sent back in the hut for 9 by Jensen. Smriti Mandhana was then joined by Deepti Sharma and the two batters stitched a partnership of 60 runs for the second wicket. Deepti was eventually out for 21 by Fran Jonas.
It was Harmanpreet Kaur who had walked in at number four and she along with Mandhana once again provided the resistance to the side. The right-left batting duo chipped in with a stand of 64 runs for the third wicket. Mandhana was undone for 71 off 84 by Amelia Kerr but Harmanpreet went on to dominate the New Zealand bowlers.
Captain Mithali Raj replaced Smriti in the middle and provided the team with another brilliant partnership with Kaur. They scored 72 runs for the fourth wicket and notched up individual fifties as well. While Harmanpreet was out for 63 off 66, Mithali remained unbeaten at 57 off 66 to take the side home.
Earlier, in the day, Kerr’s 66 off 75 helped New Zealand put 251/9 in 50 overs on the board. Sneh Rana, Deepti and Gayakwad picked up two wickets each for India.
“We have improved over the last few games we have played, that's a good sign before the World Cup. Was important to have the right preparation before the big tournament,” Mithali said after the match.