Radha Yadav press conference India Women vs New Zealand Women, 2nd ODI

New Zealand Women clinched a comprehensive 76-run victory over India Women in the 2nd ODI at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, taking a 2-0 lead in the series. Sophie Devine led the charge for the visitors, contributing both with the bat and ball, earning her the Player of the Match title.

After opting to bat first, New Zealand built a challenging total of 259/9 in their 50 overs. Opener Suzie Bates set a strong foundation with 58 off 70 balls, displaying her characteristic grit until she was caught and bowled by Radha Yadav in the 27th over. Georgia Plimmer supported with a brisk 41, but captain Sophie Devine stole the show with an aggressive 79 off just 86 balls, hitting seven boundaries and one six at a strike rate nearing 92. Maddy Green also chipped in with a quickfire 42, boosting New Zealand’s run rate towards the end of the innings.

For India, Radha Yadav’s disciplined bowling was the highlight, as she claimed 4 wickets for 69 runs in her 10-over spell. Deepti Sharma contributed with two wickets, keeping the New Zealand batters in check. Despite their best efforts, India allowed New Zealand to cross the 250 mark, setting a daunting target on a challenging surface.

India’s chase started poorly, with star opener Smriti Mandhana dismissed for a duck in the first over by Lea Tahuhu. Jess Kerr then struck, trapping Shafali Verma leg-before in the fourth over, leaving India at a shaky 19/2. Although wicketkeeper Yastika Bhatia played a steady knock of 12, she fell shortly after, caught by Isabella Gaze off Tahuhu’s bowling, setting India back at 26/3.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur attempted to anchor the innings with 24 off 35 balls, and Radha Yadav contributed a resilient 48 off 64 balls lower down the order. However, Devine’s brilliant spell derailed India’s efforts, as she dismissed both Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues, who had scored a cautious 17. With the wickets tumbling at regular intervals, India was eventually bowled out for 183 in 47.1 overs.

Lea Tahuhu was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand, grabbing 3 wickets for just 42 runs in her 10-over spell. Devine's 2 for 37 and Eden Carson’s tight spell, yielding 2 for 32, put the brakes on India’s scoring and ensured a comfortable win for New Zealand.

Score Summary:

New Zealand Women Innings: 259/9 in 50 overs (Sophie Devine 79, Suzie Bates 58, Radha Yadav 4/69, Deepti Sharma 2/30)

India Women Innings: 183 all out in 47.1 overs (Radha Yadav 48, Harmanpreet Kaur 24, Lea Tahuhu 3/42, Sophie Devine 2/37)

New Zealand’s victory underscored their form and depth, leaving India with crucial adjustments to make as they aim to stay alive in the series. With Devine and Tahuhu firing on all cylinders, New Zealand Women appear well-positioned to clinch the ODI series in the upcoming matches.