New Zealand defeated India for 102 runs in the opening match of the Women’s T20 World Cup on Friday, clinching a 58-run victory.
The White Ferns, who had won just one of their previous 13 T20 internationals this year, first posted a challenging total of 160-4 and then stunned their opponents with a commanding 19-over victory over India. .
Captain Sophie Devine took to bat for New Zealand and scored an unbeaten 57 off 36 balls with seven boundaries to propel her team to the winning score, finishing off the final five overs for 51.
Devine’s strong finish followed a solid foundation of 46-for-67 from opener Georgia Primer (34-of-23) and veteran Susie Bates (27-of-24).
Play was briefly halted due to a run-out dispute when India thought they had completed the 14th over by picking Amelia Kerr short of the crease, but in front of the umpires – square-legged Jacqueline tying her shoelaces.・Including Williams, the players were ruled dead. ball.
Kerr had walked close to the rope line before the fourth umpire’s ruling, but the reprieve meant little in the end as he was sent off by Renuka Singh two balls later.
As India tried to chase down 161, Rosemary Mair trapped captain Harmanpreet Kaur (15) in the powerplay box for an impressive score of 4-19.
Mair took the remaining two wickets of the match off successive balls, while fast bowler Rhea Tahhu also chipped in with 3-15 to help keep India together with one over remaining. Kaul’s 15 was the top score in a desperately disappointing innings.
What’s next for each team in the Women’s T20 World Cup?
After suffering a disappointing loss in the first match of the tournament, India Next rival to face Pakistan – Will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10.30am (first pitch, 11am) on Sunday – in what is essentially a must-win match for Pakistan after they defeated Sri Lanka in their Group A opener be.
About new zealandthey will now not return to action until Tuesday, another confrontational clash with their Antipodean foes. Australia – Live on Sky Sports Cricket from 2.30pm (first pitch, 3pm).
Watch every match of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup Live broadcast on Sky Sportswhich concludes with the final in Dubai on Sunday, October 20th. You can also stream tournaments and more on NOW
