After men, Indian women seals the ODI series against NZ women

Smriti Mandhana followed on her 105 in Napier to score a fine 90 not out at Mount Maunganui as India defeated New Zealand by 8 wickets to take an unbeatable lead in the 3-match ODI series. Skipper Mithal Raj scored 63 not out as India chased down a modest 162 in the second ODI.

India suffered two early setbacks in their chase. 18-year-old opener Jemimah Rodrigues fell for an 8-ball duck while Deepti Sharma departed for 8 off 11. India were in a spot of bother at 15 for 2 in the fifth over before Mandhana and Raj joined forces to steer India to victory. Mithali Raj hit a six over long on to complete the chase.

The gulf between the two sides was apparent again on Tuesday. Goswami picked up 3 for 23 while Ekta Bisht, Sharma and Poonam Yadav picked two wickets apiece to dismiss the White Ferns for 161. For New Zealand on the other hand, Amy Satterthwaite was the only bright spot as she scored 71 off 87 deliveries.