Indian women's cricket team defeats New Zealand in final ODI; lift series 3-2

Indian women produced a clinical performance to crush New Zealand by nine wickets in the fifth and final one day international match and winning the series by 3-2 margin.

The win also brought another piece of good news as the Board of Control for Cricket in Indian ( BCCI) announced a cash award of Rs 21 lakh for the team as they fought back valiantly from being 1-2 down to win the series. The final match turned out to be an anti-climax of sorts with New Zealand being shot out for 118 in 41 overs as seven of their batsmen failed to reach double digits.

Suzie Bates top-scored with 42 while left-arm spinner Rajeswari Gayekwad had the best figures of 2/15. Jhulan Goswami with 2/17 was economical as ever while Deepti Sharma took 2 for 22. In reply, India surpassed the target in 27.2 overs with DT Thirushkamini scoring 62 off 78 balls with 13 boundaries. Deepti showed her all-round prowess scoring an unbeaten 44 off 78 balls with 8 boundaries.

BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya said: "Congratulations to our skipper Mithali Raj on leading theteam with distinction and registering a series win against the New Zealand. Team has shown remarkable character to come back from 1-2 to and win the series. BCCI would like to announce a reward of Rs 21 lakh for the team."

Secretary Anurag Thakur stated,"On behalf of BCCI, I would like to congratulate the team on the series win. It was a dominant performance today and they deserve all the accolades." "This fivematch ODI series proved to be competitive and was a wonderful showcase for the skill and class of women's cricket. It augurs well for the future. I would also wish to congratulate Mithali for reaching yet another milestone in her illustrious career of crossing 5000 runs. Well done once again for a stellar performance," he added.

Brief Scores: New Zealand 118 in 41 overs ( Suzie Bates 42, Rajeshwari Gayekwad 2/15, Jhulan Goswami 2/17) India 121/1 in 27.2 overs (Thirushkamini 62 no, Deepti Sharma 44 no).