In the opening match New Zealand Women’s India tour 2024India Women cruised to a convincing 59-run victory over New Zealand Women at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday, October 14.
India posts a competitive result against New Zealand
In the first innings, India’s innings got off to a brisk start, with Shafali Verma hitting a quickfire 33 off just 22 balls, including 5 fours and a six. However, his partner Smriti Mandhana failed to capitalize contributing only 5 runs before falling early. Yastika Bhatia (37 off 43) and Jemimah Rodrigues (35 off 36) steadied the innings, making important contributions to the middle order, adding valuable runs as India faced several stumbles along the way.
The middle order became more stable Tejal HasabnisDeepti Sharma with 51 off 42 and 41 off 64 balls. Their efforts took India close to a solid total, but the lower order couldn’t put up much resistance as wickets fell rapidly in the latter stages.
Jess Kerr and Amelia Kerr were the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand, with Jess claiming 3 wickets for 49 runs and Amelia returning with 4 wickets for 42 runs in 9 overs. Eden Carson also contributed with 2 wickets as India were bowled out for 227 in 44.3 overs.
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New Zealand weakens under tough pursuit
Chasing a target of 228, New Zealand got off to a shaky start. Suzie Bates fell early for just 1 run and captain Sophie Devine also struggled, managing 5 deliveries for just 2 runs. Georgia Plimmer (25 off 25) and Lauren Down (26 off 56) gave some hope for the visitors but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.
Brooke Halliday provided the most resistance with a well-constructed 39 off 54 balls, while Maddy Green hit 31 off 31 balls, but they failed to convert their starts into match-winners. Amelia Kerr tried a late charge with 25 off 23 but it was too little, too late. Radha Yadav was the star with the ball for India, claiming 3 wickets for 35 runs, while Saima Thakor and Arundhati Reddy chipped in with two and one wicket respectively.
Player of the Match
Deepti Sharma contributed both with bat and ball (1/35 in 9 overs) and was rightly adjudged Player of the Match. India’s comprehensive 59-run win gives them a 1-0 lead in the series and the next match is scheduled for Sunday, October 27 at the same venue.
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This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
