In a thrilling encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Team India opener Smriti Mandhana scored her 8th ODI century in the third and final ODI against New Zealand, breaking the record previously held by former Indian captain Mithali Raj. This remarkable achievement solidified Mandhana’s status as the leading female cricketer in terms of ODI centuries for India, marking a significant milestone in her career.
A Return to Form
After a period of inconsistent performance, Mandhana’s return to form is a positive sign for Team India as they approach the ODI World Cup. Her century is not just a personal triumph; it also comes as a timely boost for the team. Mandhana’s performance has shown that she is back to her rhythm, much to the delight of fans and teammates alike.
Historic Achievement
Smriti Mandhana made history by becoming the first Indian woman cricketer to score 10 centuries in international cricket. Her latest century not only propelled Team India to the brink of victory in the third ODI but also secured the series win with a final tally of 2-1 against New Zealand. Mandhana completed her half-century with four boundaries off 73 balls and reached her century with six boundaries in a total of 121 balls, showcasing her skill and determination at the crease.
A Stellar Partnership
Mandhana’s century was complemented by a brilliant partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Together, they forged a crucial partnership of 118 runs off 116 balls, turning the tide in India’s favor and leading the team to an easy victory. Harmanpreet’s unbeaten 59 runs off 54 balls played a pivotal role in guiding the team to a successful chase.
Match Summary
In the match, New Zealand batted first and were bowled out for 233 runs in just 49.3 overs, with Brooke scoring the highest at 86 runs. Deepti Sharma led the Indian bowling attack with three wickets, while Priya Mishra contributed with two.
India’s chase didn’t start well, with Shefali Verma dismissed early. However, Mandhana stabilized the innings, adding 76 runs in 104 balls with Yastika Bhatia. Following Bhatia’s dismissal, captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s impressive performance ultimately sealed the victory for Team India.
Conclusion
Smriti Mandhana’s record-breaking century not only highlights her individual brilliance but also boosts the morale of the Indian women’s cricket team as they prepare for future challenges. With such performances, Mandhana continues to inspire aspiring cricketers across the nation.
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