Harmanpreet Kaur scores crucial runs as India defeats New Zealand in the fifth One-Day International.

Harmanpreet Kaur scores crucial runs as India defeats New Zealand in the fifth One-Day International.

Harmanpreet Kaur hit a crucial half-century to drag the Indian women’s cricket team back in the game; as they beat New Zealand by six wickets in the series-ending fifth ODI here on Thursday. The Indian bowlers, who had struggled in the lead-up to the game; ultimately found their rhythm to restrict New Zealand to 251 for nine in 50 overs. Kaur scores crucial runs as India defeats New Zealand in the fifth One-Day International.

Harmanpreet Singh’s 63 off 66 balls and Smriti Mandhana’s 71 off 84 balls; helped India reach the goal in 46 overs. Mithali Raj, the captain, stayed undefeated on 57 off 66 balls.

ndia required a win to pick up a few force heading into the ODI World Cup following month; after losing the one-off T20 and to begin with four ODIs. On Thursday, the spinners, who fizzled to create breakthroughs, shared seven wickets among themselves.

Deepti Sharma, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Sneh Rana each snatched two wickets; whereas pacer Meghna Singh bowled five overs and was excellent. Mandhana, who had missed the primary three ODIs and the T20 owing to isolate; moreover got a few crucial time within the middle. In her 84-ball innings, the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year hit nine fours.

see also: Wasim Jaffer Names Team India’s Openers Against Sri Lanka For T20Is

Harmanpreet must be relieved to have scored her first fifty in nearly a year.

After a long dry spell, she was benched for the previous game; drawing harsh criticism from former teammates, especially ex-captain Diana Edulji.

She collected a lot of boundaries with the sweep shot before reaching the half-century with the pull shot.

If India wants to compete for the global crown; it needs to keep putting in performances like the one it did on Thursday.

read more: Team India’s Predicted XI for the 1st T20I against Sri Lanka

“We’ve improved in our previous few games, which is a positive indicator heading into the World Cup. Prior to the big tournament, it was critical to have the proper preparation. Due to the escalating number of Omicron cases in India; we were unable to secure the camps “Mithali stated during the post-match presentation.

Only on JioSaavn.com can you listen to the most recent tunes. The wicket appeared to be batting-friendly, but the bowlers performed admirably today. Our fielding is an area where we need to improve. When I retire after this competition; I’ll see that the squad has grown significantly in strength thanks to the addition of new talent “she continued.

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