New Zealand Women bounced back strongly from their first ODI defeat to secure a rather dominating victory against India Women in the second ODI, levelling the series 1-1. Despite Harmanpreet Kaur coming back for India in this game, the hosts completely faltered under the pressure while chasing 260 runs in Ahmedabad. India lost Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Varma and Yastika Bhatia within the first five overs and couldn’t recover from there on, ultimately losing the second Women’s ODI by 76 runs. However, Radha Yadav gave a great account of her all-round skills, taking the game deep with her 48.
Sophie Devine plays a captain’s knock for New Zealand
After posting a competitive 259/9 in their 50 overs, powered by captain Sophie Devine’s masterful 79 off 86 balls and veteran Suzie Bates’ solid 58 off 70 deliveries, the White Ferns bowlers produced a dominant display to humble the Indian batting lineup.
The foundation was laid by a crucial 87-run opening partnership between Bates and Georgia Plimmer, who negotiated the early overs skilfully before Radha Yadav’s stupendous catch broke the stand. While India’s bowlers fought back in the middle overs, Devine’s captain’s knock, well supported by Maddy Green and Izzy Gaze, ensured New Zealand reached a formidable total of 259/9.
Despite leading her team to their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph earlier this month, Sophie Devine wasn’t amongst runs for some time. Although she hammered India in the World Cup as well, it was today when she brought her best with the bat. Devine bounced back in style, anchoring the innings with a mature and aggressive knock of 79 runs off 86 balls. Her innings was characterised by powerful strokes, precise timing, and a clear intent to score runs. She effortlessly dispatched the Indian bowlers to all parts of the ground. Those slog sweeps did come into play for her. Devine’s partnership with Maddy Green was particularly crucial, as the duo added a quick-fire 82 runs to the total.
Failure for Indian stars ft. Harmanpreet Kaur
India’s chase of 260 was a tale of two halves: a disastrous start and a valiant rearguard action. The top order faltered early, with Smriti Mandhana falling victim to Lea Tahuhu in the first over itself. Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues provided some brief respite with a 38-run stand, but the introduction of Sophie Devine proved to be the turning point. The Kiwi captain picked up three wickets, dismantling the Indian middle order with her all-round exploits.
The Indian batting lineup struggled to find consistency, with several batters getting starts but failing to convert them into big scores. The pressure mounted on the lower order, but Radha Yadav and Saima Thakor defied expectations with a defiant 70-run partnership. They showed application and perhaps gave a false hope to the Ahmedabad crowd. However, it only delayed the inevitable, with, New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack prevailed, securing a well-deserved victory by 73 runs.
Sophie Devine, who had earlier scored a brilliant 79 with the bat, claimed three wickets with the ball to seal the deal for New Zealand. Lea Tahuhu and Jess Kerr also picked up three wickets each, while Eden Carson contributed with two.
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