Team India finally boarded the bus to a victory road for the ICC Women’s Cricket world cup with an impressive performance today to beat NZ in the fifth and final ODI, which is such a relief and proud moment for Indian fans.
While chasing 252, at one stage, India were cruising at 142-2 in 27 overs. The Indian batters were in total control and it was mesmerizing to see Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandana bat fluently and with a plan. Despite losing Mandhana (71 runs of 84 balls), India looked comfortable throughout the innings. The stylish southpaw, playing just her second match of the series, looked focussed and elegant in her batting before getting caught on the bowling of Amelia Kerr.
Crucial 71 Runs from Smriti Mandhana put India on top in the run-chase at the 5th ODI. #NZvIND #SmritiMandhana pic.twitter.com/4WfvfZT38k
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) February 24, 2022
In spite of discussion around Harmanpreet’s form, for me, she is someone every opponent fears due to her explosive and unpredictable presence on the field. She is one of the key players for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup with her ability to turn things around at any point of time in the match. It was a lovely inning of 63 (66) by her and a rock-solid one by Mitali Raj who looked determined and steered India to a much-needed victory with her unbeaten knock of 57 (66). India chased down the total with four overs to spare and six wickets in hand.
Fifty off 58 balls for Harmanpreet Kaur!
This will do wonders to her confidence levels as India head into the World Cup tournament. #NZvIND #NZWvINDW pic.twitter.com/QOlYGID6WQ
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) February 24, 2022
Early in the day, India looked in command from the very beginning of New Zealand innings and the fielding looked tight. There were some good catches taken in today’s match which lifted the spirits of the bowlers. Bowling was professional and to the field but the turn around of creating pressure was brought in by Sneh Rana (2-40) who showed intelligence in her bowling. She was equally helped by Deepti Sharma (2-42), Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2-61) and Poonam Yadav (1-41). The Indian bowlers did not allow the New Zealand batters to accelerate the scoring rate, thus restricting them to a total of 251-9. Amelia Kerr (66 runs off 75 balls) continued her journey of scoring runs before being caught by wicket-keeper Richa Ghosh off Deepti Sharma’s bowling. White Ferns’ captain Sophie Devine managed to score 34 with some useful contributions from Lauren Down (30) and Hayley Jensen (30) towards the end.
Smriti Mandhana has an excellent record while chasing in ODIs: #NZvIND #SmritiMandhana pic.twitter.com/KybFajH2JP
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) February 24, 2022
Take Home for India – Lifted Team Spirit – They have arrived!!!
Take Home for NZ – Series win 4-1.
Minoti Desai is a former India Test and ODI cricketer. She is also the author of the book “She The Cricketer”. This is an exclusive Column by Minoti Desai for FemaleCricket.com where she would express her thoughts around Team India’s campaign for the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022
Minoti Desai is a former India Test and ODI cricketer. She is also the author of the book “She The Cricketer”
