So a match that resembled cat-and-mouse stuff in the death overs of New Zealand's chase eventually goes to them. With that, they also have the series with two matches left, a confidence builder ahead of the World Cup. But can India go into the big tournament with something to smile about? Join us for the next game on Tuesday. Until then, it is goodnight and goodbye from Sudarshanan and Raghav, and me, Himanshu!
Jared: "Wow, I think Lauren Down has just booked a spot at 6 for the World Cup."
Sophie Devine, the winning captain: "The cricket we have played has been outstanding. The way the batters handled the run chase, it could have gone away from us. You could talk about all the batters... We don't get too nervous about chasing down big scores. We set ourselves high standards in the field. Really impressive the way group stuck with it... Consistency screamed out. We want to continue the trend of scoring 270-plus. I would have liked to have added a few more. But the way they went about was a huge step. It was special, and the group should be proud of it."
Mithali Raj speaks after the match: "We didn't get the partnerships we wanted in the middle order, but Deepti got us to 280. Every game the batting unit has been doing well. It goes down the wire... but there are areas we need to improve in in the field."
Down is the Player of the Match: "That was a bit of fun. Really nice... great to see right across the series different people contributing. At 152 for 4, we talked about keeping it simple and trying to put the bad balls away. There'll be a couple of celebrations for the series win."
Time for the presentations
Ravi: "In the end fielding cost India"
Sugun: "49th is more crucial, too little to defend in the last over. "
6.26pm A match which swung one way and another finally ends in New Zealand's bag. Both sides had their chances during the chase, and Down's 64* at a strike rate of 123 did the job for the hosts. Who knows what might have been had India taken those catches? But no excuses there, India had their moments which they couldn't grab.
6 off 6.
Oscar: "47.5 What line is the Umpire looking at?! Hope that call isn't decisive." --- I guess the only justification there would be the bowler going wide since she saw the batter dancing down early.
