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In the opening match of the New Zealand Women’s tour of India 2024, India Women registered a convincing 59-run victory over New Zealand Women at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday, October 14.
India posts a competitive total against New Zealand
Batting first, India’s innings got off to a brisk start, with Shafali Verma scoring a quick 33 off just 22 balls, including 5 fours and a six. However, her 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 with crucial contributions in the middle order, adding valuable runs as India faced a few stumbles along the way.
The middle order was further stabilized by Tejal Hasabnis, who played a composed knock of 42 off 64 balls, and Deepti Sharma, who contributed 41 off 51 balls. Their efforts pushed India closer to a solid total, but the lower order couldn’t offer much resistance, as wickets fell quickly 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, while Amelia returned with 4 wickets for 42 runs in her 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 falters under tricky chase
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 only 2 runs off 5 deliveries. Georgia Plimmer (25 off 25) and Lauren Down (26 off 56) offered 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 chipped in with 31 off 31, but they couldn’t convert their starts into match-winning innings. Amelia Kerr tried to mount 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 wickets, respectively.
Player of the Match
Deepti Sharma capped off a fine all-round performance, contributing with both bat and ball (1/35 in 9 overs) and was rightly named the Player of the Match. India’s comprehensive 59-run win gives them a 1-0 lead in the series, with the next match scheduled for Sunday, October 27, at the same venue.
