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IND-W Vs NZ-W Highlights: Mandhana, Harmanpreet Fail As Devine's Masterclass Powers Kiwis To 58-Run Win

New Zealand Women defeated India Women by 58 runs [Source: @WHITE_FERNS/x.com]New Zealand Women defeated India Women by 58 runs [Source: @WHITE_FERNS/x.com]

New Zealand Women delivered a stellar all-round performance to end their 10-match losing streak, defeating India Women by 58 runs in Match 4 of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Dubai. This victory also marked the White Ferns' biggest win margin against India Women in T20Is in terms of runs.

Here’s the timeline of how IND-W vs NZ-W panned out in Dubai:

IND-W vs NZ-W Highlights: Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer Get New Zealand Off to a Flyer

Electing to bat first, New Zealand Women got off to a blistering start as openers Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer came out swinging.

They took advantage of some wayward bowling from India Women and made the most of the powerplay, racking up 55 runs without losing a wicket in the first six overs. Bates’ aggressive 27 and Plimmer’s 34 put the Indian bowlers on the back foot.

However, just when it seemed like the White Ferns were cruising, Arundhati Reddy broke the partnership by dismissing Bates in the eighth over, followed by Plimmer's wicket in the ninth over. Asha Shobana’s breakthrough slowed down the run rate as New Zealand found themselves at 67/2 after nine overs.

IND-W vs NZ-W Highlights: Middle-Order Struggles Despite Devine's Determination

The middle phase of New Zealand’s innings saw the Indian bowlers tightening the screws. Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine took their time to rebuild the innings but struggled to keep the momentum going.

Kerr, usually fluent, couldn’t get into her groove and survived a near run-out before falling for a scratchy 13 off 22 balls. In those six overs, New Zealand only managed 26 runs as India looked to regain control of the match. Sophie Devine, the skipper, stood firm like a rock. Despite losing partners at the other end, she weathered the storm and ensured the team didn’t lose sight of the bigger picture. 

IND-W vs NZ-W Highlights: Sophie Devine Takes Charge in the Death Overs

With wickets tumbling and the Indian bowlers finding their rhythm, the game was hanging in the balance. But Sophie Devine stepped on the gas in the final five overs, smashing her way to an unbeaten 57 off 36 balls.

She brought up her 21st T20I fifty off just 33 deliveries and ensured New Zealand finished with a flourish. Her onslaught, alongside Brooke Halliday’s handy 16, helped the White Ferns plunder 51 runs in the last five overs. New Zealand ended their innings on a competitive 160/4, giving them a strong chance in this contest. 

IND-W vs NZ-W Highlights:  Shafali, Mandhana, Harmanpreet Fall Cheaply

The run-chase got off to a nightmarish start for India as they lost their first wicket in the second over. Shafali Verma, known for her explosive batting, departed for just 2 runs, leaving India reeling early.

The situation only worsened as skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (15) and the dependable Smriti Mandhana (12) soon followed, both falling within the powerplay.

India Women’s hopes of building momentum were dashed as they found themselves three down with only 36 runs on the board. The White Ferns, spearheaded by Sophie Devine, capitalised on the pressure and tightened the noose around India’s middle order.

IND-W vs NZ-W Highlights: Middle Order Crumbles as New Zealand Bowlers Keep Their Cool

As the asking rate climbed with every dot ball, India Women’s middle and lower order struggled to keep up with the mounting pressure.

The New Zealand bowlers, led by Devine’s smart captaincy, kept things tight, bowling with precision and discipline. Wickets fell like a house of cards, as none of the Indian batters could provide the stability needed to resurrect the innings.

India Women were eventually bowled out for a paltry 102, failing to even bat out their full quota of overs. The White Ferns held their nerve and kept taking wickets at regular intervals, sealing a comprehensive 58-run victory.