NZ W vs IND W: Smriti Mandhana pulls out a blinder of a catch to dismiss Sophie Devine

Indian women’s prolific opener Smriti Mandhana returned to the playing XI for the fourth ODI against New Zealand women and she immediately had an impact with a splendid catch to dismiss Sophie Devine. Mandhana was immensely missed in the tour so far considering here batting prowess and she can take the attack to the opponent with some aggressive batting as well. India decided to rest struggling Harmanpreet Kaur and veteran Jhulan Goswami for the fourth ODI as Mandhana was included.

Meanwhile, in the New Zealand camp, there were numerous changes with Lea Tahuhu, Maddy Green, Fran Jonas and Brooke Holiday all being unavaillable. The Sophie Devine-led side had already clinched the ODI series 3-0 after a stupendous chase in the previous game and it turned out to be the second highest chase in women’s ODI history.

As far as the fourth ODI is concerned, India women won the toss and opted to bowl at the John Davies Oval, Queenstown and the rain had reduced the game to 20 overs per side. India is yet to register a victory in the tour and the challenge was not going to be easy by any means in the fourth ODI as well.

Here’s the video of the splendid catch from Smriti Mandhana

Devine and Suzie Bates had put on a half century partnership for the first wicket and the skipper in particular was the aggresor between the two scoring six boundaries in his 24-ball 32. It took a breadthtaking catch from Mandhana, who was standing at point, to dismiss Devine of the bowling of Renukha Singh towards the end of the powerplay. Devine’s cut shot went slightly in the air and that was enough for Mandhana to dive to her left and going with both hands had helped her to keep hold of the catch safely.

Oh YAAAS! Smriti Mandhana!!#NZvIND #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/0fy0JJ60BE

— Krithika (@krithika0808) February 22, 2022

Meanwhile, India Women have a huge task on hands to chase down a massive score of 192 in 20 overs as Amelia Kerr continued her batting exploits with a 33-ball 68. The visitors did not have the best of starts as the top four batters were dismissed within the fifth over with just 19 runs on board.