New Zealand Women Smash India Women by 58 Runs in the Group game at the Women's T20 World Cup 2024

New Zealand began their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign in Dubai with a dominant 58-run win over India, ending a ten-match losing streak in T20Is. With a combination of aggressive batting, tight bowling, and clinical fielding, New Zealand set up the win with a strong total of 160/4, which proved far too much for the Indian batting line-up, as they were bowled out for 102 in 19 overs.

New Zealand Women 160 for 4 (Devine 57*, Plimmer 34, Renuka 2-27)

India Women 102 (Mair 4-19, Tahuhu 3-15, Carson 2-34)

New Zealand beat India by 58 runs

Devine’s Brilliance Powers New Zealand

After New Zealand lost openers Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer in quick succession, Sophie Devine stood tall with a superb unbeaten 57 off 36 balls. Devine, who has often delivered under pressure, once again showcased her big-match temperament, particularly in the latter stages. She was involved in a crucial 46-run partnership with Brooke Halliday (16 off 12) as New Zealand added a strong finish to their innings. Devine’s knock was highlighted by seven boundaries, including a pair off Renuka Singh in the 15th over that helped her reach her 21st T20I fifty.

The pair of Deepti Sharma and Arundhati Reddy initially slowed New Zealand’s momentum, but India’s bowling effort was undone by New Zealand’s strong middle order. Devine’s performance was particularly remarkable as she had come into the match in a lean patch, having averaged just 21.25 in the past nine T20Is.

Plimmer and Bates Set the Tone

The match started on a high note for New Zealand with their openers, Plimmer and Bates, smashing 55 in the powerplay. Bates (27 off 20) and Plimmer (34 off 27) both found gaps and creases early on, with Plimmer lofting a six over long-on off Deepti Sharma’s bowling. Their fiery start laid a solid foundation for New Zealand, and while they lost their wickets to Reddy and Asha in the middle overs, they had already done the damage by taking the score to 80/2 by the 11th over.

India’s Batting Struggles Against New Zealand’s Pace

India’s chase of 161 started disastrously, as their top order crumbled under pressure from New Zealand’s pace attack. Rosemary Mair (4-19) and Lea Tahuhu (3-15) spearheaded the attack, with Mair’s swing proving particularly troublesome. Early breakthroughs were provided by Eden Carson, who removed Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, both crucial wickets in the powerplay.

India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur, batting at No. 3 for the first time in 18 months, struggled to make an impact, managing only 15 runs off 14 balls before falling. With their top order undone, India’s middle order couldn’t cope either, as Richa Ghosh consumed 19 balls for just 12 runs and Deepti Sharma’s 13 off 18 offered little resistance.

Mair and Tahuhu, along with Carson, combined brilliantly to restrict India to 102 all out, with the last six wickets falling for just 60 runs. Mair’s swing and Tahuhu’s pace proved too much for the Indian batters, and their hopes of a comeback were dashed with a string of soft dismissals.

Also read: Tim Southee Steps Down as New Zealand Test Captain, Latham to Take the Helm of New Zealand Test Cricket on India Tour

A Match Defined by New Zealand’s Precision

While the game wasn’t without controversy—most notably the dramatic run-out that didn’t involve Amelia Kerr—New Zealand maintained their focus and discipline throughout the match. The incident, where Kerr was initially thought to be run out but the umpires ruled the ball was dead, added a brief moment of confusion, but it didn’t alter the outcome.

In the end, New Zealand’s disciplined bowling and fielding effort proved decisive. Their opening win marks an important start to the tournament, while India will need to regroup after a dismal performance, particularly with the bat.