Harmanpreet Kaur’s Team India could not have started the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in a poorer way. The team succumbed to a 58-run loss to “out of form” New Zealand side in their campaign opener, diminishing their hopes of making it to the semis. Remember, India is in the group of death, where they are yet to face Australia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
The arch-rivals, Pakistani side stunned the Asian Champions Sri Lanka, and cannot be taken lightly. As for the latter, they too had beaten India in the Asia Cup final. So they must be raring to go as well. Then, when it comes to Australia, we just can’t win against them, and in 2020 lost to them in the final, and in the 2023 T20 World Cup, lost in the semis.
IND vs NZ in Women’s T20 World Cup
After batting first, New Zealand crushed the Indian bowling, piling up 160 runs. Sophie Devine was in full swing as she smashed 56 from 37 deliveries. To make matters worse, Richa Ghosh dropped a sitter from Suzie Bates, while Amelia Kerr got a lifeline, in controversial run-out call.
Indian batting suffered majorly. Shafali Verma’s poor form continued, and same was the case with Harmanpreet. The rest of the batting crumbled under pressure as well as they were all out for 102. Rosemary Mair was the star of the show for the “White Ferns”, who picked up four wickets.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Points Table
This loss now puts India in a precarious position in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup points table. India is placed at the bottom of Group A, with a NRR of -2.900. Pakistan is in second place with two points and an NRR of +1.550, behind New Zealand.
| Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Points | NRR |
| New Zealand | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +2.900 |
| Pakistan | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +1.550 |
| Australia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sri Lanka | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -1.550 |
| India | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -2.900 |
