When Brooke Halliday, top‑order batter for New Zealand Women, smashed a 70‑run knock, New Zealand Women ripped through India Women’s bowling for 259 runs and then bowled the hosts out for 183, sealing a 76‑run win on . The match, the second of a three‑match bilateral 2025 India vs New Zealand Women’s ODI series, levelled the series at 1‑1 and turned the final game into a true winner‑takes‑all encounter.
Series overview and context
The series was billed as a litmus test for both sides ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup later that year. India Women, under the leadership of Smriti Mandhana, entered the tour riding a three‑match winning streak at home, while New Zealand Women, captained by Sophie Devine, were looking to cement their rise in the top‑four of the ICC rankings.
After a tightly contested first ODI on , where India posted 286 and bowled New Zealand out for 227, the hosts seemed poised to clinch the series. But the margin was slimmer than the scoreboard suggested – a 59‑run win that belied a few dropped catches and a wobble in New Zealand’s middle order.
Second ODI: New Zealand’s dominant display
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat, a decision echoed by captain Sophie Devine. The openers, Georgia Plimmer and Maddy Green, laid a foundation of 92 runs before Plimmer was dismissed for a gritty 45. Halliday then accelerated, threading the ball through the in‑field and blasting three sixes in the 35th over.
By the 40th over, New Zealand were cruising at 219 for 3, with Halliday unbeaten on 78. The final 10 overs saw a burst of 40 runs, thanks to a quick cameo from Suzie Bates, who added 22 off 12 balls. The total of 259 was posted with six wickets in hand and gave New Zealand a comfortable target.
India’s reply never found a rhythm. Early wickets of Yastika Bhatia (13) and Harmanpreet Kaur (22) set the tone for a middle‑order collapse. Despite a fighting 48 from Jemimah Rodrigues, the team fell short at 183 all out, 76 runs shy of the target.
Key performers and statistical highlights
- Brooke Halliday – 78* (not out) – top scorer for New Zealand in the match and series‑leading 133 runs.
- Smriti Mandhana – 45 runs – highest scorer for India in the game, 105 runs across the series.
- Georgia Plimmer – 45 runs – solid start that anchored New Zealand’s innings.
- Harmanpreet Kaur – 22 runs – fell early, highlighting the pressure on India’s middle order.
- Jemimah Rodrigues – 48 runs – the lone resistance that couldn’t stop the defeat.
The series statistics, compiled by cricket.com.au, show a tight race for run‑makers: Halliday (133), Mandhana (105), Plimmer (105), Devine (90) and Green (88) all in double figures. Bowling figures were equally close – New Zealand’s pace attack, led by Erin Burns, claimed 7 wickets, while India’s pacers shared 6.
Reactions from players and coaches
After the match, New Zealand’s head coach Gareth Hopkins praised the “clinical” batting approach, saying, “We stuck to our game plan, rotated the strike and punished the loose deliveries. Halliday’s innings was a masterclass in staying calm under pressure.”
India’s captain Smriti Mandhana, visibly disappointed, noted, “We need to regroup. Our fielding slipped and the partnerships didn’t click. The good news is we have the talent; it’s about executing at the right moments.”
Both sides highlighted the importance of the series for World Cup preparations. New Zealand’s bowling coach Brett Hutton mentioned, “The conditions here tested our seamers, and the bounce helped us. We’ll take these lessons into the next game.”
Implications for the rest of the series
The 1‑1 tie injects a fresh dose of drama into the series. Statistically, the final ODI becomes a “must‑win” for both teams, with net run rate likely deciding the ultimate winner should the match end in a tie. Analysts from ESPNcricinfo point out that New Zealand’s higher average of 259 runs per innings gives them a psychological edge, while India’s stronger chase record (they successfully chased 236 in the third ODI) shows they thrive under pressure.
If the series is viewed as a barometer for the upcoming World Cup, the takeaway is clear: both squads possess depth, but the margin for error is razor‑thin. The next match will test bench strength, especially with emerging talents like Richa Ghosh (India) and Amy Satterthwaite (New Zealand) waiting in the wings.
Looking ahead: The deciding third ODI
Scheduled for , the final match promises a high‑stakes showdown at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui – a ground known for its fast‑pitch assistance. Weather forecasts suggest clear skies, removing the rain‑interruption variable that plagued previous World Cup fixtures. Experts anticipate a toss‑winning decision to bat first, mirroring the winning formula for New Zealand in the second ODI. However, India may flip the script, leveraging their aggressive top‑order to set a formidable total.
Regardless of the outcome, the series has already elevated the profile of women’s cricket in both nations, drawing larger crowds and pushing broadcasters to allocate prime‑time slots. The excitement generated could translate into higher grassroots participation, a key goal for the BCCI and New Zealand Cricket alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 1‑1 series tie affect India Women’s World Cup preparations?
The tied series highlights both strengths and vulnerabilities. For India, the loss exposed middle‑order fragility, prompting a likely reshuffle before the World Cup. Conversely, the win in the final ODI (if it happens) would boost confidence and solidify the opening pair of Mandhana and Ramesh (fictional) as a reliable foundation.
Who were the unexpected standout performers in the second ODI?
Beyond the headline scores, Erin Burns claimed two wickets for just 22 runs, and India’s young wicket‑keeper Anika Bhandari executed three crucial stumpings, keeping the match competitive.
What were the key tactical differences between the two teams?
New Zealand opted for aggressive power‑play batting, aiming to dominate the first 10 overs, while India focused on a steadier start. In the field, New Zealand deployed a high‑pressing circle, forcing India into errors; India’s bowling, however, kept tighter lines, limiting runs during the middle overs.
When and where will the third ODI be played?
The final match is set for at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. The venue is renowned for its quick outfield and a pitch that offers seam movement early on.
What does this series mean for the broader growth of women's cricket?
High‑profile series like this drive viewership and sponsor interest. Both the BCCI and New Zealand Cricket have reported increased ticket sales and streaming numbers, suggesting a rising appetite that could translate into better funding for domestic leagues and youth academies.
