Date: October 26, 2024 | Location: Ahmedabad, India
India Women vs New Zealand Women In a thrilling encounter at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad, the Indian women’s cricket team secured a convincing victory over New Zealand by 59 runs in the first ODI of the three-match series. This match marked a significant moment for India, as they aimed to build momentum following a challenging period in ODIs against the Kiwis.
Match Summary
- India: 227 all out in 44.3 overs
- New Zealand: 168 all out in 40.4 overs
- Result: India won by 59 runs
- Player of the Match: Saima Thakor (2 wickets for 26 runs and 41 runs)
India’s Batting Performance
India’s innings was characterized by a series of starts but ultimately fell short of a commanding total. The team managed to post 227 runs, with several players contributing but none able to convert their starts into a big score.
Key Contributions:
- Tejal Hasabnis: 42 runs off 64 balls, playing a crucial role in stabilizing the innings after early wickets.
- Deepti Sharma: 41 runs off 51 balls, showcasing her intent and ability to rotate the strike effectively.
Despite five players scoring over 30 runs, the Indian batting lineup struggled to build partnerships, leading to a total that was deemed par on a pitch that appeared conducive to batting.
Bowling Highlights from New Zealand:
- Amelia Kerr: 4 wickets for 42 runs, continuing her excellent form from the T20 World Cup.
- Jess Kerr: 3 wickets for 49 runs, providing crucial breakthroughs at key moments.
New Zealand’s Chase
Chasing a target of 228, New Zealand’s innings faltered under pressure from the Indian bowlers. The visitors struggled to find momentum, losing wickets at regular intervals.
Top Performers:
- Brooke Halliday: 39 runs, providing a brief resistance in the middle order.
- Maddy Green: 31 runs, contributing to a partnership that looked promising but ultimately fell short.
India’s bowlers executed their plans effectively, with Radha Yadav leading the charge with 3 wickets for 35 runs. Saima Thakor, on her ODI debut, made a significant impact with the ball, taking 2 wickets and helping to dismantle the New Zealand batting lineup.
Turning Points in the Match
- Early Breakthroughs: India struck early, dismissing key players like Sophie Devine and Georgia Plimmer, which set the tone for the innings.
- Partnerships: The partnership between Halliday and Green was crucial, but once it was broken, New Zealand struggled to recover.
- Fielding Excellence: India’s fielding was sharp, with direct hits and smart catches, including a stunning catch by Thakor to dismiss Halliday.
Debutants Shine
The match was particularly special for two Indian debutants, Tejal Hasabnis and Saima Thakor, who both made significant contributions to the team’s success.
- Tejal Hasabnis: Her composed innings under pressure showcased her potential as a middle-order batter.
- Saima Thakor: Not only did she take crucial wickets, but her all-round performance also included a vital contribution with the bat, marking a memorable debut.
Captaincy and Strategy
With Harmanpreet Kaur sidelined due to injury, Smriti Mandhana took over the captaincy for the first time in ODIs. Her leadership was evident in the strategic bowling changes and field placements that helped India maintain pressure on the New Zealand batters.
- Mandhana’s Decisions: The introduction of Thakor and Radha at crucial junctures proved pivotal in breaking partnerships and stifling runs.
Looking Ahead
This victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, providing a much-needed boost in confidence. The team will look to build on this performance in the upcoming matches, aiming for a series win against a formidable New Zealand side.
- Next Match: The second ODI is scheduled to take place on October 28, 2024, where India will aim to seal the series.
Conclusion
The first ODI between India and New Zealand was a testament to the growing strength of the Indian women’s cricket team. With promising performances from debutants and established players alike, the team is poised for a successful series. Fans will be eagerly anticipating the next match as India seeks to continue their winning momentum against the Kiwis.
