New Zealand Women Triumph Over India in T20 World Cup Clash

In a standout performance at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, New Zealand‘s women’s team secured a commanding 58-run victory over India. The match took place on Friday, October 4, at the Dubai International Stadium, marking New Zealand’s first triumph in their last ten T20 international encounters.

The New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine won the toss and elected to bat first. Devine expressed confidence in her team’s approach, saying, “I’ve been really happy about the way the team’s gone about its business. Results haven’t gone our way, but we’re always learning. Looking to put our best foot forward in this one.” Her optimism paid off as New Zealand posted a robust score of 160 for 4 in their innings.

Devine led from the front with an impressive 57 not out off 36 balls, complemented by a crucial 46-run partnership with Brooke Halliday for the fourth wicket. Georgia Plimmer and Suzie Bates also provided a solid foundation with their aggressive opening, both capitalizing on loose deliveries, and setting the tone for the innings with a strong powerplay start.

India’s response to the target of 161 was faltering from the outset. The team lost their top three batters within the powerplay, managing to post only 102 before being bowled out in 19 overs. The Indian batting lineup struggled against the pace and accuracy of Rosemary Mair and Lea Tahuhu, who claimed a combined total of seven wickets. Eden Carson struck early by dismissing both Indian openers, Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, adding pressure to India’s chase.

Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur, positioned at number three for the first time in 18 months, noted, “We just want to go out there and play good cricket. All the players back themselves. It’s the best team and the best team we have in this format. We have a balanced side.” Despite Harmanpreet’s confidence, India’s batting order could not withstand New Zealand’s bowling assault, with Richa Ghosh top-scoring with a modest 15 runs.

The match was not void of drama, showcased when a controversial run-out decision involving Amelia Kerr was overturned. The confusion arose when Deepti Sharma, the bowler at the time, had requested her cap back, leading the umpires to rule the ball as dead before Ghosh broke the stumps.

This victory gives New Zealand a positive start in the tournament, also breaking their ten-match losing streak in T20 internationals. With this win, New Zealand has extended their head-to-head advantage over India, boasting nine victories out of 13 encounters.

Both teams featured strong line-ups, with India fielding three fast bowlers for the first time in a T20 international this year. New Zealand, meanwhile, capitalized on their tactical batting and disciplined bowling to secure the points.