In a commanding performance, New Zealand’s skipper Sophie Devine led her team to a decisive 58-run victory over India in the Women’s T20 World Cup in Dubai. This match marked a significant turnaround for the ‘White Ferns’, who ended their 10-match losing streak with their largest win against India in T20 internationals.
On a challenging pitch for batters, Devine showcased her power-hitting skills, scoring an unbeaten 57 off 36 balls, helping New Zealand post a competitive total of 160 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs. Devine’s tactical acumen was evident as she effectively utilized her bowlers to stifle India’s batting lineup, ultimately bowling them out for a mere 102 runs in 19 overs.
The match was heavily influenced by the performances in the Powerplay. While New Zealand’s openers Suzie Bates (27 off 24 balls) and Georgia Plimmer (34 off 23 balls) amassed 55 runs in the first six overs, India’s batting lineup crumbled, losing key players Shafali Verma (2), Smriti Mandhana (12), and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (15) for just 43 runs.
Devine’s strategic decisions paid off, as she opened the bowling with left-arm spinner Eden Carson (2/34 in 4 overs), who capitalized on Shafali’s discomfort against slower deliveries. Mandhana, India’s standout batter in recent years, fell to a catch in the deep, while seamer Rosemary Mair (4/19 in 4 overs) struck Harmanpreet on the pads, leaving India reeling.
Despite a valiant effort from Asha Sobhana (1/22 in 4 overs), who stemmed the flow of runs after the Powerplay, Devine’s explosive batting in the latter stages of the innings put the Indian bowlers under pressure.
While New Zealand’s batters enjoyed their time at the crease, India’s fielding was subpar, with only Jemimah Rodrigues delivering a commendable performance in the field. Overall, Devine’s brilliance with both bat and ball proved too much for India, marking a memorable victory for New Zealand.
[source: NDTV Sports]
