Indian eves beat NZ in first ODI: Key learnings, statistics
The Indian women's cricket team got off to a strong start in the ODI series against New Zealand. Mithali Raj's team thrashed the hosts by nine wickets to gain a vital 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Smriti Mandhana's sublime 105 helped India chase down a paltry target of 193. Here are the important statistics and key learnings.
Mandhana shines to amass her fourth ODI ton
Mandhana scored her fourth career ODI ton. She went past Harmanpreet Kaur's tally of three ODI centuries. Mandhana needs four more tons to eclipse Mithali Raj's record for the most tons by Indian batswoman (7). She needs 293 more to reach the 2,000-run mark in ODI cricket and join both Harmanpreet and Mithali. Her last ton had come against South Africa in February 2018.
Some special feats by the Indian openers
This was maiden ODI fifty by Jemimah Rodrigues. Rodrigues smashed an unbeaten 94-ball 81. The knock is also her highest score in ODIs. Rodrigues and Mandhana shared 190-run partnership for the first wicket. This is India's highest stand by any pair against NZ. Mandhana's all four tons have come in SENA countries helping her to reach newer heights.
Mandhana's form helps India gain control
The 2018 ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year has continued her immense form in 2019 as well. Mandhana's form allows India women's team to get those desired starts. This came into effect once again on Thursday. Her aggressive nature guided her to stay in sync and notch a healthy strike-rate. Mandhana is India's best bet in the series.
Ekta Bisht leads India's charge in bowling
Indian eves have been sound with the ball across formats since a while now. And the bowlers stood tall against Kiwis to restrict them to 192. India will count on their bowling unit led by Ekta Bisht to make inroads in this series and in the upcoming matches this year. His spin bowling made the difference for India today. She notched figures of 3/32.
Poonam Yadav rises in status
Indian spinner Poonam Yadav continued her solid run in ODIs. Poonam picked up 3/42. The 27-year-old, who had an excellent 2018 in both ODIs and T20Is, was the joint-highest wicket-taker for India in the Women's World T20 (8). She has been a prime factor.