New Zealand scored 102 runs to beat India by 58 runs in their opening match of the Women’s T20 World Cup on Friday.
The White Fearns, who had won only one of their 13 T20 internationals before this year, surprised their opponents by first getting to a challenging total of 160-4 and then rolling India out in 19 overs.
Captain Sophie Devine starred with the bat for New Zealand. She scored an unbeaten 57 off 36 balls with 7 boundaries to help her team clinch the win by 51 off the final five overs.
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Arsenal fan Asha Shobana of India recreated Leandro Trossard’s ‘goggle’ celebration after taking the wicket of New Zealand’s Georgia Plimmer.
Devine’s strong finish was followed by a solid 67 off 46 balls by opener Georgia Plimmer (34 off 23) and veteran Suzie Bates (27 off 24).
The match was briefly halted due to a run-out dispute when India thought she had picked Amelia Kerr out before the umpire had finished the 14th over. India, including square-legged Jacqueline Williams, who was tying her shoelaces, was pronounced dead. ball.
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The Women’s T20 World Cup match between India and New Zealand saw mass chaos after a controversial wicket was overturned, leaving Indian players and coaches frustrated.
Kerr almost walked to the rope boundary before the fourth umpire’s ruling, but her relief ultimately mattered little. She was later dismissed by Renuka Singh two balls later.
As India began chasing 161, Rosemary Mayer trapped captain Harmanpreet Kaur (15) inside the powerplay with a brilliant spell of 4-19.
Mair took the last two wickets of the match in successive balls, while fast bowler Lea Tahuhu also chipped in with 3-15 to help tie India out with an over to spare. Kaur’s 15 was the highest score of a desperately disappointing innings.
What’s next for each team in the Women’s T20 World Cup?
After a very disappointing loss in the opening match of the tournament, India next face rivals Pakistan – Live coverage of Sky Sports Cricket from 10.30am on Sunday (first ball, 11am) – This is virtually a must-win match for Pakistan after they beat Sri Lanka in their Group A opener.
As for New ZealandThey are now out of action again until Tuesday in another competitive clash with their antipodean foes. australia – Live coverage of Sky Sports Cricket from 2.30pm (first ball, 3pm).
Watch all matches of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup Sky Sports live broadcastIt concludes with the final in Dubai on Sunday 20 October. You can also stream tournaments and more through NOW.
