India’s women’s cricket team commenced their three-match ODI series against New Zealand with a resounding 59-run victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Chasing a modest target of 228, New Zealand’s batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of India’s bowling attack. Radha Yadav emerged as the star performer, claiming three crucial wickets for just 35 runs. Debutant pacer Saima Thakor also made an immediate impact, dismissing New Zealand opener Suzie Bates with her third delivery.
New Zealand’s innings was plagued by a series of unfortunate dismissals. Skipper Sophie Devine was caught short of her crease, while Brooke Halliday and Maddy Green’s promising partnership was broken by Thakor. Despite a brief fightback, New Zealand’s batting order failed to recover, eventually folding for 168 runs.
Earlier, India had posted a total of 227 after opting to bat first. The Kerr sisters, Amelia and Jess, led the New Zealand bowling attack with four and three wickets respectively. India’s batters struggled to convert their starts into substantial scores, with Deepti Sharma (41), Tejal Hasabnis (42), Shafali Verma (33), Yastika (37), and Jemimah Rodrigues (35) all failing to capitalize on their promising starts.
Despite their batting struggles, India’s bowlers stepped up to the challenge. Yadav’s three wickets and Thakor’s early strike proved decisive, while Deepti Sharma and Rajeshwari Gayakwad also contributed with two wickets each.
The victory marks a positive start for India in the ODI series. They will look to continue their winning ways in the remaining two matches, scheduled for February 12 and 15.
