India's horrid campaign continued as the side again failed to clinch a win and handed New Zealand an invincible 3-lead in the ongoing five-match ODI series.
Mithali Raj and Co. were asked to bat first as New Zealand aimed to claim early wickets. However, India openers Sabbhineni Meghana and Shafali Verma responded well as they gave their side a flying side, accumulating 86 runs in the powerplay.
As the opening stand ended at the score for 100, things started going downhill from thereon as the middle-order could not carry on the momentum. Besides Deepti Sharma, none of the batters stood up for the cause as India found themselves in the midst of trouble.
While skipper Mithali Raj fell prey to Hannah Rowe's delivery, Yastika Bhatia walked back to the dressing room after scoring 19 runs. The biggest disappointment of them all came in the form of Harmanpreet Kaur as the 32-year-old continued his poor form and got out, courtesy of a bizarre run-out.
The incident happened in the 28th over, which was bowled by Frances Mackay. Harmanpreet advanced down the track, hitting a straight drive to the bowler's hands.
Mackay was quick to respond to the situation and threw the ball to the wicket-keeper Katey Martin as Harmanpreet was still far away from the batting crease. She put on the drive at the last moment but even that could not save her as Katey removed the bails in a flash.
Harmanpreet has been recording a string of low scores off late. The first two ODIs of the series saw her scoring a combined total of 20 runs. Harmanpreet's extended poor phase has led to the calls of dropping her from the playing XI.