India Women vs New Zealand Women, 4th Match, Group A | ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024

New Zealand delivered a commanding performance in all aspects of the game as they defeated India by 58 runs in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With this victory, the White Ferns secured their first win in 11 T20 internationals, showcasing their determination and resilience.

The game saw New Zealand captain Sophie Devine lead her side with a match-winning knock, scoring an unbeaten 57 to help the White Ferns set India a formidable target of 161 runs. Devine’s performance as both captain and batter proved instrumental in helping her side stay ahead throughout the contest.

Opting to bat first, New Zealand’s opening pair ensured a strong start. Suzie Bates set the tone early, striking a four off the very first ball of the innings. She, along with Georgia Plimmer, powered the team to a healthy 55 without loss during the powerplay, giving their side the momentum they needed. India captain Harmanpreet Kaur tried to use breaks in play as an opportunity to regroup her team, but despite their effort, India was unable to capitalize on key opportunities, including a costly dropped catch by Richa Ghosh from Bates.

New Zealand’s scoring slowed after Bates fell for 27 off 24 balls, followed shortly by Plimmer for 34, leaving the team at 67 for two. However, they were fortunate to have the experienced duo of Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine at the crease. Kerr had a short yet dramatic stay as she was seemingly run out, only for the decision to be overturned due to the ball being declared dead. She went on to score 13 before a powerful shot of hers was caught by Pooja Vastrakar, bringing the score to 109.

From there, Devine took charge, supported by Brooke Halliday and then Maddy Green, as New Zealand accelerated their scoring. The White Ferns added 37 runs in the final three overs to finish on 160 for four, setting India a daunting chase—just short of the second-highest successful chase in Women's T20 World Cup history.

India’s reply began brightly enough with 11 runs off the first over, but Shafali Verma was soon dismissed for just two. Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur also fell during the powerplay, with off-spinner Eden Carson claiming two key wickets to leave India reeling.

Jemimah Rodrigues, who had been outstanding in the field, faced an uphill battle with the run rate continuing to rise. Her attempt to hit through the field ended with her driving the ball straight to Maddy Green at mid-on. Brooke Halliday then gave Sharma a reprieve by dropping a catch when she was yet to score, but India’s struggles continued.

Richa Ghosh and Arundhati Reddy gifted easy catches, and India soon found themselves at 75 for six in the 13th over. It was a familiar story for Deepti Sharma, who scored 13 before Sophie Devine took a straightforward catch off Lea Tahuhu's bowling to claim her third wicket. Rosemary Mair took four wickets overall, as India’s chase fizzled out in the penultimate over, leaving them all out for 102.

Scores in Brief:

New Zealand vs. India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, UAE

New Zealand: 160 for four in 20 overs (Sophie Devine 57 not out, Georgia Plimmer 34; Renuka Singh Thakur 2/27)

India: 102 all out in 19 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 15, Jemimah Rodrigues 13; Rosemary Mair 4/19, Lea Tahuhu 3/15)

Result: New Zealand win by 58 runs

This comprehensive win was a much-needed confidence boost for New Zealand, as they finally broke their losing streak in T20 internationals.