Indian women grab consolation win against New Zealand in final T20

Having already lost the series, the Indian women's cricket team defeated New Zealand women by three wickets to register a consolation win in the third and final Twenty20 International cricket match on Wednesday.

Having already lost the series, the Indian women's cricket team defeated New Zealand women by three wickets to register a consolation win in the third and final Twenty20 International cricket match on Wednesday.

The Indian women's cricket team celebrate with the trophy at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore after winning the ODI series against New Zealand on July 08, 2015. (PTI Photo)

The win in the final T20 gave Indian eves something to cheer about after having already lost the series 2-1 to New Zealand following defeats in the first two games.

Opting to bowl, India restricted New Zealand to a mediocre 126 for eight and then chased down the target with an over to spare, making 128 for the loss of seven wickets.

For New Zealand, opener Suzie Bates top-scored with 34, followed by double digit scores from skipper Sophie Devine (18), Kate Broadmore (15 not out), Rachel Priest (14), Natalie Dodd (14) and Maddie Green (10).

Left-arm orthodox Rajeshwari Gayakwad was the pick of the Indian bowlers with figures of 3/17, while Poonam Yadav (2/16) and Ekta Bisht (2/23) shared four wickets between them.

Chasing the modest score, India rode a 19-ball 34 from Veda Krishnamurthy and good contributions from Vellaswamy Vanitha (28) and Anuja Patil (22) to overwhelm target with an over to spare.

Devine (2/13), Leigh Kasperek (2/20) and Broadmore (2/25) picked up two wickets apiece for the visitors.