New Zealand Women End 10-Match Losing Streak with Commanding 58-Run Victory Over India Women
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| Devine leads New Zealand to a commanding win over India, ending a 10-game losing streak. / ICC |
In a powerful display of skill and determination, New Zealand Women secured a resounding 58-run win over India Women, ending a 10-match losing streak and marking their biggest margin of victory over India in T20Is by runs.
The White Ferns, led by captain Sophie Devine, were dominant in all departments, executing their plans to perfection in the tournament's opening game.
Sophie Devine won the toss and opted to bat first on a favorable batting surface. New Zealand’s openers, Suzie Bates (27) and Georgia Plimmer (34), provided the ideal start, blasting 55 runs during the powerplay without losing a wicket. Their aggressive approach put the Indian bowlers under pressure early on.
However, India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, quickly switched to spin from both ends, which paid off as both openers fell within four deliveries. Despite the breakthroughs, India Women struggled to contain the run rate in the middle overs.
It was Devine's composed knock that kept the innings together. The White Ferns skipper paced her innings beautifully, smashing seven boundaries en route to an unbeaten 57 off 36 balls. She received valuable contributions from Amelia Kerr (13) and Brooke Halliday (16), steering New Zealand to a competitive total of 160/4 in their 20 overs.
Renuka Singh Thakur (2/27) was the pick of the Indian bowlers, but lapses in the field further compounded India’s difficulties, as dropped catches and missed run-outs proved costly.
Chasing 161 for victory, India Women got off to a disastrous start, losing Shafali Verma (2) early in the second over. The Indian top order faltered under pressure as Harmanpreet Kaur (15) and Smriti Mandhana (12) soon followed, leaving India reeling at 40/3 by the end of the powerplay.
With the required run rate steadily climbing, India’s middle order crumbled under the disciplined New Zealand bowling attack. Sophie Devine, leading from the front, orchestrated her team’s bowling effort, ensuring regular wickets fell.
India Women were bowled out for a mere 102 runs with an over to spare, falling 58 runs short of the target. None of the Indian batters managed to anchor the innings, and their poor performance with the bat, coupled with below-par fielding, handed them a crushing defeat.
This emphatic victory brought New Zealand’s losing streak to a decisive end, and their comprehensive performance has injected new life into their campaign. Meanwhile, India’s defeat not only hurt their confidence but also significantly damaged their net run rate, an early blow in the tournament.
Sophie Devine’s all-round leadership, both with the bat and in the field, was pivotal to New Zealand's success. Her unbeaten 57 was the cornerstone of their innings, and her tactical acumen on the field ensured India were never in the chase.
As the tournament progresses, India will need to regroup quickly and address their shortcomings in all departments if they are to bounce back and make a mark in the competition.
Brief Scores:
- New Zealand Women: 160/4 in 20 overs (Sophie Devine 57*, Georgia Plimmer 34, Renuka Singh Thakur 2/27)
- India Women: 102 all out in 19 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 15, Smriti Mandhana 12, Sophie Devine 2/18)
New Zealand Women won by 58 runs.