2nd ODI: Amelia Kerr hundred denies India series-levelling victory despite Mithali Raj, Richa Ghosh fifties

India women tour of New Zealand: With handy contributions from Meghana, captain Mithali and Richa, India posted 270 on the board in the 2nd ODI on Tuesday but it was not enough as New Zealand rode on Amelia Kerr's hundred to take a 2-0 lead in the 5-match series.

India are yet to open their account on their tour of New Zealand as they are 0-3 down after losing the 2nd ODI of the ongoing 5-match series. Despite posting a solid total of 270 after Mithali Raj won the toss and opted to bat, India women ended up on the losing side.

After they were bundled out for a meagre 213 in chase of 276 in the first ODI at the John Davies Oval in Queenstown, Mithali Raj had stressed the importance of scoring in excess of 270 in New Zealand conditions and India did that on Tuesday in the 2nd match despite the continued absence of their star opener Smriti Mandhana, who has had an extended stay in managed quarantine after arriving in New Zealand a week ago.

However, lack of potency from the bowling attack, especially their pacers, saw India struggle to defend 270 in the 2nd ODI. Senior pacer Jhulan Goswami was rested and the inexperienced duo of Pooja Vastrakar and Simran Bahadur were unable to trouble the New Zealand batters.

Defending 270, India got off to a dream start, picking up the big wickets of New Zealand's top-order batters -- Sophie Devine (33), Suzie Bates (16) and Amy Satterthwaite (0) inside the first 10 overs.

However, all-rounder Ameilia Kerr (119 not out) and Maddy Green (52) batted India out of the contest with a 148-run stand for the 4th wicket.

Amelia Kerr takes charge as she brings up a solid 100 with a boundary! #NZvIND #LiveCricketOnPrime pic.twitter.com/uqJdXZcuzn

Leg-spinner Poonam Yadav gave India a glimmer of hope when she got Green in the 34th over with the score reading 183/4 but Amelia Kerr continued dominating the Indian attack and took New Zealand past the finish line.