White Ferns vs India: New Zealand clinch T20 series with nail-biter at Eden Park

The White Ferns have won their Twenty20 series against India in nail-biting fashion.

With one run needed off the last delivery, all-rounder Hannah Rowe worked a ball into the off-side and scampered through for a single to hand the NZ women their first T20 series win over India since 2015.

The hosts won the toss and elected to bowl, and the decision paid off, when Sophie Devine dismissed opener Priya Punia (four) to put New Zealand on top early.

India started to fight back into the game through Smriti Mandhana (36) and Jemimah Rodrigues (72), who put on 63 runs for the second wicket.

Rosemary Mair got the breakthrough, removing Mandhana in the 10th over, and star leg spinner Amelia Kerr got rid of Rodrigues eight balls later - and that's as good as it got for the visitors.

No other player reaching double figures, as India limped to 135/6 in their 20 overs.

In reply, the White Ferns were methodical in their run chase, with stalwart Suzie Bates leading the way.

The 31-year-old made 62 runs off 52 balls, but fell in the 18th over, with her team still requiring 18 runs to win.

Katey Martin played her part with 13 runs, before Rowe and Leigh Kasperek held their nerves to win the game for the hosts.

The two sides will meet for the final T20 in Hamilton on Sunday, February 10.

Newshub.