Mount Maunganui (New Zealand): The Indian women’s cricket team defeated New Zealand by eight wickets in the second ODI to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series here Tuesday.
Smriti Mandhana continued her terrific run in the ongoing ODI series as she top-scored for India with unbeaten 90 runs (83 deliveries) to combine with captain Mithali Raj to help India chase down the target of 162 runs with 6.4 overs to spare. Mandhana blitzing had 13 boundaries and a solitary six.
She was well supported by Mithali, who scored an unbeaten 63 off 111 balls as the duo staged an unbeaten partnership of 151 runs for the third wicket to take India to an easy win. The duo steadied the Indian ship after Jemimah Rodrigues (0) and Deepti Sharma (8) were sent back cheaply by the Blackcaps.
Earlier in the day, India opted to bowl after winning the toss. The Indian women bowled New Zealand out for a paltry 161. India bowlers kept taking wickets right from the start. Jhulan Goswami drew an edge from Suzie Bates and the opener departed for a duck. Shikha Pandey then trapped Sophie Devine plumb in front and the batswoman paid the price for playing across the line.
After Jhulan Goswami and Shikha Pandey provided early breakthroughs, the spinners came into the act to push New Zealand Women on the backfoot. Ekta Bisht with her smart bowling took back-to-back wickets and Deepti Sharma and Poonam Yadav followed suit as India eves picked wickets at regular intervals to wrap up New Zealand for a paltry 161 in under 45 overs.
