In the fourth match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, New Zealand delivered a commanding performance to defeat India by a massive 58-run margin. Batting first, New Zealand posted a competitive 160-run total and followed it up with a clinical bowling display to bowl India out for just 102.
After winning the toss, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine made a bold call, opting to bat despite the likelihood of dew affecting the second innings. The decision paid off, as openers Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer gave New Zealand an ideal start in the powerplay. India struggled in the field early on, unable to contain the Kiwi batters.
However, a couple of quick wickets brought India back into the contest. Despite this, Devine anchored the innings, playing a captain’s knock of 57 off 36 deliveries. Her innings helped New Zealand regain control and accelerate in the latter stages, propelling them to a strong total of 160. Renuka Singh stood out for India with a solid bowling effort, claiming 2 wickets for 27 runs.
India’s reply got off to a disastrous start, losing three key wickets within the powerplay. At 42 for 3, the pressure mounted, and the batting lineup crumbled. Rosemary Mair’s exceptional bowling tore through India’s middle order, as she claimed 4 wickets for just 19 runs. Lea Tahuhu added to India’s woes, taking 3 for 15 with a display of precision and experience. With no meaningful partnerships to steer India out of trouble, the team was bowled out for a disappointing 102, handing New Zealand a comfortable victory.
Sophie Devine’s all-round brilliance earned her the Player of the Match award, while social media platform “X” (formerly called Twitter) buzzed with admiration for New Zealand’s dominant showing. Fans particularly applauded Devine’s leadership and batting, alongside Mair and Tahuhu’s bowling masterclass. Meanwhile, Indian fans expressed confidence that the team would regroup and come back stronger in the tournament.
There is a lot of pain💔
but the courage💪is still alive.
These are the ones in front of whom difficulties are ashamed.#INDvNZ #T20WorldCup2024 #T20Challenge #T20WomensWorlCup pic.twitter.com/ZCkssc2auY— अंग जन संवाद (@anga_jana) October 4, 2024
After being given such a long run, Georgia Plimmer has played her 2 best knocks in international cricket in the last two games
1 v India & 1 v Australia #T20WorldCup #INDvNZ
— Mohit Shah (@mohit_shah17) October 4, 2024
Sophie Devine led from the front both with the bat and on the field and is deserving named the Player of the Match 👏🇳🇿 [sk]#NZvIND #T20 #WorldCup #Cricket pic.twitter.com/WGkCs7OaSC
— Kanak Kumari (@KanakKu64995524) October 4, 2024
Best bowling figures for New Zealand 🇳🇿 in Women’s T20 World Cup:
4/15 (4) – Nicola Browne vs PAK 🇵🇰 at Basseterre, 2010
4/19 (4) – Rosemary Mair vs IND 🇮🇳 at Dubai, today
4/22 (4) – Sophie Devine vs WI 🌴 at Wankhede, 2016#T20WorldCup #INDvNZ— The Stats Kid (@TheStatsKid1523) October 4, 2024
Lea Tahuhu’s last five matches in T20 World Cups:
19 overs, 11 wickets
10.0 avg, 5.78 economy
10.3 balls/wkt#T20WorldCup | #INDvNZ— Saim | صائم (@saimali_2001) October 4, 2024
Complete performance by New Zealand team.#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/ZYWC8lXrJB
— Vicky (@ImVicki01) October 4, 2024
Don’t worry girls. Keep up your heads 💪 and comeback harder in next match.#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/0xv81AXhTM
— Arjun Kumar (@ikumararjun1) October 4, 2024