Saima Thakor press conference | INDW vs NZW, 1st ODI, Ahmedabad

Courtesy: BCCI

India Women secured a comprehensive 59-run victory over New Zealand Women in the 1st ODI of the series at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Saima Thakor, whose crucial breakthroughs set the tone for India's bowling, addressed the press after the match. India posted a competitive total of 227, with Deepti Sharma contributing a solid 41 and taking the Player of the Match honors. New Zealand's chase faltered after an early collapse, as Saima removed Suzie Bates in just the second over.

New Zealand struggled after an unfortunate injury to Amelia Kerr, who later batted at No. 9. Despite a resilient partnership between Amelia and Gaze, New Zealand could not recover from regular wickets, particularly Devine's careless dismissal, a turning point in the game. Brooke Halliday and Maddy Green tried to revive the chase, but both fell in the same over, shifting momentum back to India.

Saima, who ended with figures of 2 for 26, highlighted the team's disciplined bowling approach in her press conference. She credited her teammates for maintaining pressure and seizing key moments. New Zealand was eventually bowled out for 168 in 40.4 overs.

India's win put them ahead in the series, with Saima’s early breakthroughs and Deepti’s all-round performance standing out as key factors in their victory