India Women vs New Zealand Women T20 World Cup 2024: India Women’s team had a tough start to their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, falling to a heavy 58 run defeat against New Zealand Women in Dubai. Despite a valiant effort from captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her team, New Zealand’s sharp bowling attack, led by Rosemary Mair, proved too strong, leaving India with plenty to ponder ahead of their next match.
Let’s have a look into more details: India Women vs New Zealand Women T20 World Cup 2024
New Zealand Sets a Competitive Total
Winning the toss, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine opted to bat first. New Zealand’s openers, Suzie Bates (27) and Georgia Plimmer (34), gave the team a solid start, navigating India’s bowling attack with confidence. Despite some pressure from India’s bowlers, including Renuka Singh Thakur, who struck twice, New Zealand finished strong.
Sophie Devine played a crucial role, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 57 off 36 balls, hitting boundaries at will in the final overs. New Zealand ended their innings at 160/4, setting a competitive target for India.
India’s Struggle with the Bat
Chasing 161, India Women got off to a shaky start. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma failed to find their rhythm against New Zealand’s disciplined bowling. Shafali was dismissed for just 7 runs, while Mandhana tried to accelerate but fell for 19 after mistiming a big shot.
India’s middle order crumbled under the pressure, with Harmanpreet Kaur scoring only 15 before being trapped LBW by Mair, who bowled a brilliant spell, taking four wickets. The Indian team couldn’t build any significant partnerships and was bowled out for 102 in 19 overs.
Rosemary Mair Shines with the Ball
New Zealand’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Rosemary Mair, who tore through India’s batting line up with precision, claiming four wickets for just 15 runs. Lea Tahuhu also played a key role, picking up three wickets, ensuring that India never got back into the game.
Captain’s Reaction
After the match, India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur admitted that her team fell short, especially in the batting department. “We didn’t play our best cricket today. We have chased 160-170 many times, but on that pitch, it felt like 10-15 runs too many,” she said. Kaur emphasized the need for the team to improve quickly as every game in the tournament now becomes crucial.
Key Moments
- Sophie Devine’s Unbeaten 57: Devine’s calm and composed knock provided the backbone for New Zealand’s total, giving the team a much needed strong finish.
- Mair’s Four Wicket Haul: Mair’s fiery spell dismantled India’s middle order, effectively sealing the game for New Zealand.
- India’s Batting Collapse: India’s inability to form solid partnerships after losing early wickets was a turning point in the match.
With this loss, India will need to regroup quickly as they face Pakistan in their next match. For New Zealand, the win is a morale booster after a string of poor results in recent times. Sophie Devine and her team will look to carry this momentum forward as they aim for World Cup glory.
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FAQs
Who won India Women vs New Zealand Women T20 World Cup 2024 match ?
New Zealand Women won by 58 runs
