In a high-stakes clash at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, New Zealand Women overpowered India Women by 58 runs, showcasing a well-rounded performance with both bat and ball. The match, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, saw New Zealand dominate the proceedings right from their innings, setting a challenging total of 160/4. India’s response was underwhelming, as they were bowled out for 102 in 19 overs, with New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Rosemary Mair, proving to be too strong.
Match Overview
New Zealand Women, led by Sophie Devine, posted a competitive score of 160 runs, driven by Devine’s explosive batting. The Indian bowlers struggled to contain New Zealand’s aggressive approach. In response, India’s batting order faltered, unable to establish momentum against New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack. Rosemary Mair emerged as the key bowler for New Zealand, taking four wickets and making a decisive impact.
New Zealand Women’s Innings: Batting Breakdown
New Zealand set the tone early on, with their top-order batswomen providing a solid foundation. Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer opened the innings and built a steady partnership before Bates was dismissed for 27 runs. Sophie Devine then took charge of the innings, smashing 57 off 36 balls, including 7 boundaries, making sure that New Zealand reached a formidable total.
New Zealand Batting:
- Suzie Bates: 27 (24), 2 fours
- Georgia Plimmer: 34 (23), 3 fours, 1 six
- Melie Kerr: 13 (22)
- Sophie Devine: 57 (36), 7 fours
- Brooke Halliday: 16 (12), 2 fours
- Maddy Green: 5 (3)
Extras: 0nb 4wd 4lb (Total: 8)
Total: 160/4 in 20 overs
India Women Bowling:
- Renuka Singh Thakur: 4 overs, 27 runs, 2 wickets
- Asha Sobhana: 4 overs, 22 runs, 1 wicket
- Arundhati Reddy: 4 overs, 28 runs, 1 wicket
- Deepti Sharma: 4 overs, 45 runs, 0 wickets
- Pooja Vastrakar: 1 over, 9 runs, 0 wickets
Fall of Wickets (New Zealand Women):
- Suzie Bates – 67/1 (7.4 overs)
- Georgia Plimmer – 67/2 (8.1 overs)
- Melie Kerr – 99/3 (14.2 overs)
- Brooke Halliday – 145/4 (18.4 overs)
India Women’s Innings: Batting Breakdown
Chasing 161 runs for victory, India struggled right from the start. New Zealand’s bowlers applied pressure early on, with Shafali Verma being dismissed in the second over. None of the Indian batters managed to stay at the crease long enough to build a strong partnership, with Harmanpreet Kaur top-scoring with 15 runs. As wickets tumbled at regular intervals, India could only manage 102 all out in 19 overs.
India Batting:
- Smriti Mandhana: 12 (13), 2 fours
- Shafali Verma: 2 (4)
- Harmanpreet Kaur: 15 (14), 2 fours
- Jemimah Rodrigues: 13 (11), 1 four
- Richa Ghosh: 12 (19)
- Deepti Sharma: 13 (18)
- Arundhati Reddy: 1 (4)
- Pooja Vastrakar: 8 (7), 1 four
- Shreyanka Patil: 7 (13), 1 four
- Asha Sobhana: 6 (10)
- Renuka Singh Thakur: 0 (1)
Extras: 0nb 11wd 2lb (Total: 13)
Total: 102 all out in 19 overs
New Zealand Women Bowling:
- Jess Kerr: 3 overs, 13 runs, 0 wickets
- Eden Carson: 4 overs, 34 runs, 2 wickets
- Rosemary Mair: 4 overs, 19 runs, 4 wickets
- Melie Kerr: 4 overs, 19 runs, 1 wicket
- Lea Tahuhu: 4 overs, 15 runs, 3 wickets
Fall of Wickets (India Women):
- Shafali Verma – 11/1 (1.1 overs)
- Smriti Mandhana – 28/2 (4.4 overs)
- Harmanpreet Kaur – 42/3 (5.4 overs)
- Jemimah Rodrigues – 55/4 (8.5 overs)
- Richa Ghosh – 70/5 (11 overs)
- Arundhati Reddy – 75/6 (12.2 overs)
- Deepti Sharma – 88/7 (14.4 overs)
- Pooja Vastrakar – 90/8 (15.3 overs)
- Shreyanka Patil – 102/9 (18.5 overs)
- Renuka Singh Thakur – 102/10 (19 overs)
Top Batting Performance: Sophie Devine (New Zealand Women)
The standout batting performance came from New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine, who played a crucial role in setting up a formidable target. Devine’s 57 off 36 deliveries was laced with 7 boundaries and came at a crucial time, helping New Zealand accelerate their scoring rate in the middle overs. Her ability to find the gaps and keep the scoreboard ticking was key to New Zealand’s success. Devine’s knock was aggressive yet controlled, ensuring that her side capitalized on the platform laid by the openers.
“It was important for us to get off to a good start and keep the momentum going through the middle overs. We knew India had a strong bowling attack, so staying aggressive was key.” – Sophie Devine
Top Bowling Performance: Rosemary Mair (New Zealand Women)
On the bowling front, Rosemary Mair was the star of the match, taking an impressive 4 wickets for just 19 runs in her 4 overs. Mair’s bowling was disciplined and effective, using variations in pace and line to trouble the Indian batters. She broke through India’s middle order, taking the crucial wickets of Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues, effectively ending India’s chances of chasing down the target.
Her spell not only provided breakthroughs but also ensured that India could not gather any momentum in their innings.
“I focused on keeping my line and length tight and varying my pace. The pitch was offering a bit of grip, and I just tried to use that to my advantage.” – Rosemary Mair
Player of the Match: Sophie Devine
Unsurprisingly, the Player of the Match award went to Sophie Devine for her all-round contribution. Devine’s batting was instrumental in posting a competitive total, and although she didn’t take any wickets, her leadership on the field and tactical acumen were crucial in New Zealand’s bowling success.
Her innings of 57 off 36 balls allowed New Zealand to build momentum, and her field placements and bowling changes ensured that India’s chase never got off the ground.
Conclusion
New Zealand’s clinical all-round performance highlighted their dominance in this match. Sophie Devine and Rosemary Mair stood out with their brilliant contributions, ensuring a comfortable 58-run victory. India will look to bounce back in their next games, needing stronger performances from both their batters and bowlers. New Zealand, on the other hand, will be pleased with their form as they head into their upcoming fixtures full of confidence.
