Charming India won the last game of the three-match Women’s ODI series 2-1 here on Tuesday, defeating New Zealand by six wickets thanks to a knock that finally befitted Smriti Mandhana’s skill.

After failing to display her ability at the top of the order in the two previous games, Mandhana (100 off 122 balls) achieved her eighth ODI century, the most by an Indian in the format. In 44.2 overs, India easily reached the 233-run goal.

Brooke Halliday (86 off 96 deliveries) had helped New Zealand rally from a perilous 88/5 to reach 232 for five. Mandhana had only scored five runs in the two games before to the final, and she had also struggled in the last T20 World Cup. However, her strong crease play and her 118-run combination with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (59 not out off 63) served as the foundation for the resounding victory.

Early on, Mandhana lost opening batsman Shafali Verma (12), but the elder colleague was well counterbalanced by wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia (35) as they put up a 76-run partnership.

Yastika left in an attempt to play a wider ball outside off, but she ultimately gave Sophie Devine, the captain of New Zealand, a return catch. After she left, Harmanpreet took over at the crease, and the two of them had a great relationship as Mandhana hit ten boundaries.

Mandhana had all but completed the job for India by the time she left on 209, having been bowled by right-arm bowler Hannah Rowe in the 41st over.

Halliday, a middle-order batsman for New Zealand, had earlier raised the country to a respectable total with a 96-ball 86. Initially, the Indian bowlers struck in synchrony, and their controlled line and length caused the visitors a lot of problems.

India started the game with a strong start, scoring twice to leave the Kiwis at 25 for two in 7.1 overs. They were hoping to win the series and make up some ground that had been lost following their early elimination in the T20 World Cup. Suzie Bates was run out by Jemimah Rodrigues and wicketkeeper Yastika, while Saima Thakor dismissed Lauren Down at the beginning of the ninth over.(PTI)

Short scores

India Women: 236/4; 44.2 overs (Smriti Mandhana 100, Harmanpreet Kaur 59 not out) defeated New Zealand Women: 232 all out; 49.5 overs (Brooke Halliday 86; Deepti Sharma 3/39) by six wickets.