Jhulan Goswami returned with figures of 3 for 23 as India restricted New Zealand to 161 in the 2nd ODI. (@BCCIWomen Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Smriti Mandhana was adjudged the player-of-the-match for her 90 not out against New Zealand in the 2nd ODI
- Mandhana said Mount Maunganui wicket made her feel like she was batting on an Indian pitch
- Mandhana had scored 105 runs in India's win in the first ODI vs New Zealand in Napier
Smriti Mandhana played a match-winning inning once again in the second ODI against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui as India beat them by 8 wickets to take an unassailanle 2-0 lead in the 3-match series. However, Mandhana said upon receiving the player-of-the-match that she would give it away to the bowlers in the team instead.
Indian bowlers were on fire on Tuesday as Jhulan Goswami picked up 3 for 23 while Ekta Bisht, Deepti Sharma and Poonam Yadav picked two wickets apiece to dismiss the White Ferns for just 161 runs. With a target of 162, India eased towards the victory as Mandhana (90 not out) and Mithali Raj (63 not out) combined to take the team over the line.
Mandhana felt the total of 162 was easy to chase and it is the bowlers that deserve credit for restrict the White Ferns to such a low total.
"162 was a very easy total to chase. I will be giving this award to all the bowlers in the team. They deserve it for restricting New Zealand to 161 on such a good wicket," Mandhana said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
Yet another day and yet another half century for @mandhana_smriti, her eighth in the last 10 innings.India cross the 100-run mark.
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Mandhana said she felt like she was batting on an Indian wicket on Tuesday but credited the BCCI for arranging for them to have a 10-day camp in Napier ahead of the series.
"I thought today was an Indian wicket more than the New Zealand conditions. We had a camp before the first one-day for 10 days. BCCI has done really good to give us 10 days camp at Napier and we could get acclimatised to the conditions."
On being asked if smiling while batting helps her on the field, Mandhana cracked up saying she doesn't know why she ends up smiling all the time.
"I don't know why I end up smiling. All the teammates make fun of me, they are always trying to mock me saying I always smile whenever I get a short ball. I think I'd love to figure out how to make a serious face," Mandhana laughingly said.
Since August 1, 2017, Smriti Mandhana is the leading run-scorer in ODIs having made 864 runs at an average of 78.54. New Zealand's Sophie Devine is second on the list with 735 runs at an average of 73.50.
Since 1 Aug 2017.. in Women's ODILeading run-getters864 - Smriti Mandhana (Ind) (ave 78.54)735 - Sophie Devine (NZ) (73.50)565 - Lizelle Lee (SAf) (47.08)558 - Tammy Beaumont (Eng) (50.72)547 - Suzie Bates (NZ) (49.72)500 - Dane van Niekerk (SAf) (55.55)
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On the other hand, captain Mithali was happy to have the series in the bag and praised the effort from the entire team in getting the victory.
"I am happy with the series win in New Zealand and I'm happy the way the team is shaping because even the bowlers are doing their job. There are batters like the first game, we had the openers doing the job for us and this time around, my partnership with Smriti. So overall, the team looks good," Mithali said in the post match presentation.
Mithali conceded that the wicket in Mount Maunganui was on the slower side and she was just looking to play a supporting role to Mandhana, who is in a cracking form.
"Well, I have always enjoyed batting in challenging conditions. I knew that today's wicket is on the slower side and will help the spinners and it's not going to be easy. It's not a wicket where the ball is coming on to the bat and it requires patience. Smriti is in good form, someone has to give her the support on the other end," Mithali further said.
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Team India will now look to sweep the series against the White Ferns in away conditions and look to continue with their good performance.
"When you have a good run, you would want to continue it. We are definitely looking for 3-0," Mithali said.
With the series win, India have moved to the second spot in the ICC Women's Championship and are now just four points behind the leaders Australia.
India have accumulated 12 points after 11 ODIs while Australia have bagged 16 points from 9 games. New Zealand have the same points as India but an inferior NRR means they are at the third spot. England complete the top four with 10 points from 9 games.
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