3rd ODI: India women concede series despite posting 279 as Lauren Down stars in record chase for New Zealand
India Today
India Women tour of New Zealand: The White Ferns scripted the 2nd highest successful chase in the history of women's ODIs as they gunned down a 280-run target with 5 balls to spare in the 3rd ODI: Mithali Raj's side has conceded an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the 5-match series in Queenstown.
India suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the 3rd ODI against New Zealand women on Friday as they conceded an unbeatable 0-3 lead in the 5-match series in Queenstown. Despite posting 279, their highest total in ODIs against the White Ferns, Mithali Raj's side ended up on the losing side.
Led by fifties from Amelia Kerr (67), Amy Satterthwaite (59) and Lauren Down (64 not out in 52 balls), New Zealand registered their highest-ever successful run-chase in ODIs as they got past the finish line with 3 wickets to spare.
New Zealand also entered record books as Friday's chase was the 2nd most successful chase ever in the history of women's ODI cricket.
India are yet to open their account on their tour of New Zealand. They lost the one-off T20I after which they have slipped to 3 successive defeats in the ODIs.
The loss in the 3rd ODI will hurt India ahead of next month's World Cup as they did most things right with the bat but ordinary fielding and bowling performances let them down.
MEGHANA AND SHAFALI IN WHIRLWIND OPENING STAND
With star opener Smriti Mandhana not available for the 3rd ODI, India persisted with their opening combination of Sabbhineni Meghana and Shafali Verma. The young opening duo got off to a whirlwind start, putting on a 100-run stand in just 12 overs to set up a solid platform for India.
