In the 4th match of group A Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, New Zealand recorded a convincing 58-run victory over India on Friday (October 4) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Chasing the target of 161 set by New Zealand, India won by 102 in 19 overs. Sophie Devine‘s bright knock 57 * and Rosemary Mair’The four-cap batting played a key role in New Zealand’s dominant performance.
Strong batting performance from New Zealand
New Zealand set a competitive target of 160 thanks to a collective batting effort. Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer provided a strong start with 27 and 34 points respectively. Captain Devine played a key role with a quickfire 57* from 36 balls, hitting seven boundaries and ensuring a solid finish for his team. Amelia Kerr and contributed 13 Brooke Halliday added 16 runs in the overs. Their aggressive approach helped the White Ferns get a hard-fought result despite India’s regular attempts to slow them down with wickets.
India’s struggle with early wickets
India’s chase started poorly, lost Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana within the first five. Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemima Rodrigues tried to rebuild but failed to convert their starts, adding only 15 and 13 runs respectively. India’s batting order crumbled under the pressure of New Zealand’s disciplined bowling, with key players struggling to build partnerships. The loss of early wickets was a critical setback for the Indian side, making the chase an uphill task.
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Killer bowling by Rosemary Mair and Leah Tahuhu
New Zealand’s bowling attack led by Mair (4/19) and Leah Tahuhu (3/15), dismantled India’s batting order. Mair’s brilliant spell saw him break through India’s middle-order resistance, picking four crucial wickets. Tahuhu was equally effective, taking three wickets including the dangerous Rodrigues Deepti Sharmaa. Their combined efforts restricted India to a below par total as neither Indian batsman could settle down at the crease for long.
Sophie Devi’s lead and match-winning knock
Devi’s captaincy was highlighted in this game with three catches both with the bat and in the field. His aggressive 57* 36 deliveries were the cornerstone of New Zealand’s innings and led his team to a solid result. Devine not only led from the front with the bat, but also orchestrated effective fielding arrangements, ensuring that the Indian batsmen could not find any rhythm. His all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award as New Zealand cruised to victory by 58 runs.
Here’s how netizens reacted:
When I look at the Rosemary Mair trophy on days like today, it amazes me how she hasn’t cemented her place as New Zealand’s best fast bowler. He’s ridiculously good.#T20WorldCup #TeamPacer
— Ananya Upendran (@a_upendran11) October 4, 2024
Rosemary Mair – You Pearl.
Over the past 2 years, never has a pacer been more admired than Mair. Its potential is quite significant!
— Jeet Vachharajani (Women’s Cricket) (@Jeetv27WC) October 4, 2024
I need to update Sophie Devine to pfp again. It feels like he’s back to his best… Just watch him destroy us here.
— Sai (@akakrcb6) October 4, 2024
Divine game from Sophie Devine🔥 #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/AY6HIzIbPF
— Paapi Gudiya😊 (@epic_meme00) October 4, 2024
Will always be a fan of Sophie Devi
— Tabriz (@tabrezdont) October 4, 2024
Apart from Smriti, none of the Indians are looking to hit big. Tap in the WC. I’ve said it before, IWCT is behind when it comes to hitting. Pak, SL, Ire have left them behind when it comes to process
— Kshitij Ojha (@Kshitij070) October 4, 2024
New Zealand have won 1 match in their last 15 T20Is and are currently on a 10 match losing streak… But today they insulted India here…. What an embarrassing defeat…
— arfan (@Im__Arfan) October 4, 2024
When is the next Women’s T20 World Cup?
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) October 4, 2024
At least pay attention to NRR. India is hurting its campaign on day one in more ways than one.
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) October 4, 2024
Sophie Devine.
Throwing himself like this at this age shows his commitment. A true team player, a LEADER!! #INDvNZ
— Aakash Sivasubramaniam (@aakashs26) October 4, 2024
Great bowling performance from New Zealand 👏🏏#women #cricket #INDvNZ #T20WorldCup #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/PT3NXHrMV4
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) October 4, 2024
Also READ: Jess Jonassen picks her favorite team for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024; also determines the four semi-finalists
This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
