White Ferns Face Uphill Battle in India After Crushing ODI Defeat
The New Zealand White Ferns, fresh off their historic T20 World Cup triumph, have suffered a setback in their opening One-Day International (ODI) against India. Despite their remarkable achievement in South Africa, the White Ferns were unable to carry their momentum into the Indian leg of their tour.
In the first ODI, played in Mumbai, the White Ferns were outplayed by a dominant Indian side. The hosts batted first and posted a formidable total of 274/7, with Tejal Hasabnis top-scoring with 74. The Indian bowlers then restricted New Zealand to 229/9, with no batter able to reach 40.
The defeat was a blow to the White Ferns’ hopes of keeping the three-match series alive. They now face an uphill battle to win the remaining two ODIs and secure points on the ICC Women’s Championship table, which determines qualification for next year’s World Cup.
India, on the other hand, will be looking to wrap up the series with a game to spare. Despite failing to bat through their 50 overs in the first ODI, they showed their class with a solid batting performance. The likes of Shafali Verma, D. Hemalatha, and Smriti Mandhana will be eager to continue their good form in the upcoming matches.
The White Ferns have been dealt a further blow with the news that Amelia Kerr, the player of the final and tournament at the T20 World Cup, is flying home with a grade one quadriceps tear. Kerr was New Zealand’s best bowler in the opening ODI, taking 2/42.
Despite the setbacks, the White Ferns have plenty of talent and experience in their ranks. Skipper Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, and Brooke Halliday will be key to their hopes of bouncing back in the second ODI.
The second ODI will be played in Vadodara on Sunday, October 29. The White Ferns will need to put in a much-improved performance if they want to keep their series hopes alive.
