That's the end of the game as the White Ferns go 2-0 up in the 5-match series after a close 3 wicket win over the visitors India with an over to spare. India had their chances, they fought better than the first ODI but still not enough.
It was a brilliant majestic unbeaten 119 off 135 balls that were the cornerstone of New Zealand chasing this target of 271. She was ably supported by Maddy Green who contributed with 52 off 61 balls. This was after the Kiwis were reduced to 57-3 in the chase losing Bates, Sattherwaite, and Devine very early in the piece. Katey Martin contributed with a handy 20 off 25 balls. Devine did start off aggressively with his 33 off 30 balls. But Bates and Sattherwaite had a rare failure today.
For India, Deepti Sharma was the pick of the bowlers with 4-52 in 10 overs. A wicket apiece for Rajeshwari Gaekwad, Poonam Yadav, and part-time off-spinner Harmanpreet Kaur. The pacers struggled in the absence of Jhulan Goswami who was rested for this game. Pooja Vastrekar was expensive as well.
Earlier in the day, India opted to bat first on a flat deck and put up their highest total ever against the White Ferns. 270-6 in their allotted 50 overs. Shafali Verma scored 24, Meghana scored 49 and Yastika Bhatia contributed with 31. Captain Mithali Raj scored another half-century as she held the innings together when a few wickets fell in the middle. She was the top scorer with 66 off 81 balls. Harmanpreet Kaur once again missed out as she scored only 10 runs while Richa Ghosh was the best batter on view with 65 off 64 balls and she injured her hamstring and ankle in the process. Pooja Vastrakar contributed with 11 runs off 11 balls.
From the Kiwi bowlers' point of view, Sophie Devine chipped in with a couple of wickets while the other bowlers chipped in with a wicket each. They were sloppy in the field and sometimes erratic with the ball but they managed to win a close game in the end. It was a nervy game with India trying all that they can, but the Kiwis were too good in the end as they go 2-0 up with 3 more ODIS to go. The main difference between the two sides is New Zealand batter managing to get to hundreds, while the Indians are getting dismissed after getting a start. That has been the difference so far in the series.
So, New Zealand won by 3 wickets. Stay tuned to find out who won the Player of the Match Award.