India's women's cricket team achieved a commanding 59-run victory over New Zealand in the first ODI match of their highly anticipated three-match series, establishing a 1-0 lead. Deepti Sharma's all-around brilliance earned her the Player of the Match award, highlighting her crucial contributions to the team's success.
The match, which took place on a favorable batting surface, began with some palpable tension as India aimed to set a competitive target of 228 runs. Early in the innings, India faced challenges, raising concerns about whether the total would be sufficient against a formidable New Zealand side. However, the Indian bowlers rose to the occasion, effectively defending what initially seemed like a below-par score. New Zealand was ultimately bowled out for 168 runs, with five balls remaining in their innings. This victory was especially significant as it marked the beginning of India’s campaign for revenge following their defeat to New Zealand in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024, providing a strong start to the series.
India's bowling attack kicked off the defense impressively, with debutant Saima Thakor making an immediate impact by dismissing New Zealand’s opener Suzie Bates early in the innings. The pressure on New Zealand escalated when Georgina Plimmer was also dismissed within the power play, leaving the team in a precarious position with two early wickets down. A pivotal moment occurred when Sophie Devine was run out in a rather casual manner for just 2 runs, which decisively shifted the momentum in favor of the Indian team.
Despite the setbacks, Maddy Green and Brooke Halliday made a valiant attempt to stabilize New Zealand's innings, managing to stage a mini-revival with a partnership of 49 runs. However, their dismissals in quick succession further derailed New Zealand’s chase, intensifying the pressure on the remaining batters. Amelia Kerr, battling through an injury, came in at No. 9 and managed to build a small partnership with Isabella Gaze. Although they briefly gave India some nervous moments, the visitors couldn’t sustain their fight. Gaze fell while attempting a big shot, leading to a chaotic run-out that abruptly ended New Zealand’s innings, sealing a well-deserved victory for India.
Radha Yadav led India's bowling attack with an impressive performance, claiming three wickets and putting the New Zealand batters on the back foot. Saima Thakor shone brightly in her debut match, picking up two important wickets. Additionally, Deepti Sharma and Arundhati Reddy each contributed with a wicket, and India’s sharp fielding resulted in three crucial run-outs, showcasing the team’s overall excellence in the field.
Earlier in the match, India’s batting lineup encountered challenges in constructing a substantial total. Although Shafali Verma showed promise with her aggressive style of play, she was unable to convert her solid start into a substantial score. Five Indian batters crossed the 30-run mark but failed to push on for bigger scores. Tejal Hasabnis emerged as India’s top scorer, with well-crafted innings of 42 runs, but the team overall struggled to find rhythm with the bat. On the bowling front for New Zealand, Amelia Kerr was a standout performer, finishing with impressive figures of 4/34, while her sister Jess Kerr supported the effort by taking three wickets, effectively restricting India to a total of 227 runs.
Despite a shaky batting display, India’s bowlers made up for it with a disciplined and determined effort, resulting in a morale-boosting victory. This win not only sets a positive tone for the series but also reinforces the team's confidence as they look ahead to the next matches against New Zealand. With their sights set on claiming the series, the Indian women's team will aim to build on this performance, using it as a springboard for continued success in the upcoming games.
