Wellington, Feb 6 (UNI) Smriti Mandhana struck the fastest T20 International half-century for an Indian woman, getting to the mark in 24 deliveries, but a disciplined performance with the ball and on the field under pressure helped New Zealand fight back to claim victory in the opening T20I here on Wednesday.
As the visitors lost their opening wicket early, Smriti (58) and Jemimah Rodrigues (39) took the charge and played brilliantly, the duo added 98 runs in their team's total off 64 balls for the second wicket, but unfortunately, the middle order failed to take it further.
Mandhana smashed three boundaries and seven sixes in her entertaining 34-ball knock. After opting to bowl, India women restricted New Zealand to 159 for four in their allotted 20 overs.