Cricket

In the series-deciding third women's ODI between India and New Zealand, middle-order batter Brooke Halliday played a pivotal role in rescuing the Kiwis from a precarious position. Halliday's resilient 96-ball 86 lifted New Zealand from 88/5 to a respectable 232 all out.India's bowlers started the match with a bang, dismissing Suzie Bates and Lauren Down early on. Young leg-spinner Priya Mishra then dealt a major blow by bowling New Zealand captain Sophie Devine, leaving the visitors reeling at 36/3.Georgia Plimmer attempted to anchor the innings, but her dismissal by Mishra left New Zealand in further trouble at 88/5. However, Halliday and wicketkeeper batter Isabella Gaze forged a crucial 64-run partnership for the sixth wicket, providing much-needed stability.Halliday's innings was a masterclass in patience and determination. She faced 96 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and a six. Her knock allowed New Zealand to post a competitive total despite their early setbacks.India's bowlers, led by Mishra's 2/41, kept the pressure on throughout the innings. However, Halliday's resilience and Gaze's support proved too much to overcome.

India A registered a resounding 172-run victory over Australia A in the third and final one-day international in Mackay, Australia, on Sunday. The triumph marked India A's first win of their tour and prevented a series sweep by the hosts.Legspinner Priya Mishra, making her debut in the series, played a pivotal role in India A's victory. She claimed a five-wicket haul, bowling out Australia A for a paltry 72 runs. The Australian side was dismissed within 23 overs, losing their last eight wickets for just 24 runs.India A, batting first, posted a competitive total of 243 for 9. Tejal Hasabnis (50) and Raghvi Bist (53) shared a crucial 104-run partnership for the fourth wicket, lifting India A from a precarious 43 for 3. Sajeevan Sajana and captain Minnu Mani also made valuable contributions down the order.Australia A's chase got off to a disastrous start as S Yashasri dismissed opener Charli Knott for 11 in the fourth over. Meghna Singh then removed captain Tahlia McGrath in the following over. Mishra took over from there, bowling out Maddy Darke, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Kate Peterson, and Hancock in quick succession.Mishra's impressive performance earned her figures of 5 for 14 in her five overs. She was ably supported by Yashasri, who finished with 2 for 19, and Singh, who claimed 2 for 21.Despite the loss, Australia A won the series 2-1, having also clinched the T20 series 3-0. The two sides will now face off in an unofficial Test match from August 22.