The Indian women’s team led by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur is hosting the newly crowned ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 champions, New Zealand, led by skipper Sophie Devine for a three-match ODI series from 24th October 2024 to 29th October 2024 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
India clinched the 1st ODI by a comprehensive 59-run margin. However, the visitors, New Zealand bounced back in style with skipper Sophie Devine’s all-round prowess at the forefront of their comprehensive 76-run, series-leveling victory. White Ferns posted a competitive total of 259/9 in their quota of 50 overs after the skipper Sophie Devine won the toss and opted to bat first. Chasing a target of 260, the home side were reduced to 108/8 in 27 overs with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur being the top scorer (24 off 35 balls) for her side up until that point in the run-chase.
“They are in really good touch, it’s just being patient out there, you know, it’s just the second ODI after the World Cup and we were just playing T20 cricket. I’m sure that they’ll be better next game,” Radha Yadav said about the Indian top order and their form not being a concern.
The visitors sensed a victory, but little did they know what was coming up next. Saima Thakor joined Radha Yadav at the crease and the pair displayed remarkable resilience and character to put on a spirited fightback with India’s highest 9th-wicket partnership of 70 runs in women’s ODIs. The partnership kept India in the hunt in the run-chase and was equally frustrating for the White Ferns.
“Yeah, I mean, we wanted to chase it when Saima and I were batting, so our conversation was like, just play, take it till the end, let’s see what happens, just play ball by ball and we did that, but then eventually got out,” said Radha Yadav on the conversations they had en route to their record-breaking 9th wicket stand.
India was eventually bundled out for 183, falling short of the target by 76 runs, with 17 balls to spare. The series scoreline currently stands at 1-1 with the 3rd and the final ODI of the series at the Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad on 29th October 2024 (Tuesday) from 1:30 PM IST, being the series decider.
(Quotes sourced from BCCI TV)
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