DUBAI – (WS News) New Zealand defeated India by 58 runs in a group stage match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 at Dubai on Friday.
A fiery opening partnership and Sophie Devine’s outstanding 57* saw New Zealand post the highest total of the tournament so far, leaving India requiring 161 to win.
And the chase rarely looked on, with wickets falling all-too-regularly for Harmanpreet Kaur’s India, who were bowled out 58 runs shy of their target, leaving them in a difficult position in Group A.
India’s top order failed to get going, with five of the top six reaching double figures but nobody passing 15.
Eden Carson did the damage early on, removing both openers, taking a return catch to dismiss Shafali Verma (2) and having Smriti Mandhana caught at long-on for 12.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur looked in good touch as she led the recovery, but fell at the back-end of the powerplay when she was trapped in-front by Rosemary Mair.
New Zealand rattled through the wickets to expose the tail and leave the match done as a contest well before the final delivery.
Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and captain Sophie Devine opted to bat first in Dubai’s first evening game.
And that decision was vindicated by a superb powerplay, with the White Ferns openers putting on 55 runs in the first six overs and benefitting from some poor fielding from India.
