Women’s T20 World Cup: Jittery India slump to big loss in opener vs New Zealand

New Zealand women ended a streak of ten consecutive T20I defeats with a commanding victory over India in their opening match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.

India’s struggles worsened with a 58-run defeat, severely impacting their net run rate and bolstering New Zealand’s position in Group A. The Indian chase unraveled almost immediately, with opener Shafali Verma dismissed for a first-ball catch-and-bowled by offspinner Eden Carson. This early setback signaled the start of a collapse, as several Indian batters fell without offering much resistance. Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur tried to stabilize the innings, but Mandhana was caught at long-off, again off Carson’s bowling.

New Zealand had lost 10 matches in a row coming into this World Cup, but they’ve turned up here today and hammered India – one of the top teams – by a massive margin. It’s a huge blow to India’s chances in what is already a tough group. Captain Harmanpreet called this the best Indian team at the T20 World Cup, but they just weren’t good enough today from start to finish.

Chasing 161, India got off to poor start as Shafali Verma handed a return catch to Kiwi left-arm spinner Eden Carson (2/34 in 4 overs) in the second over. Smriti Mandhana, India’s best and most consistent batter over the past few years, also tried to get going and was holed out in the deep while seamer Rosemary Mair (4/19 in 4 overs) bowled one that swung in to hit Harmanpreet on the pads. India Women were left reeling at three wickets down within the powerplay.

India suffered another major blow within the powerplay when skipper Harmanpreet was trapped LBW by a sharp inswinger from Rosemary Mair. Lea Tahuhu further dismantled the middle order, dismissing Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, and Deepti Sharma, as India’s innings fizzled out. Mair capped the performance with career-best figures of 4-19, sealing India’s fate and securing a resounding win for New Zealand.

As the match progressed, the asking rate increased, and India Women struggled to find their rhythm in the chase. Sophie Devine effectively led her team, and the White Ferns maintained pressure by taking wickets at regular intervals. Ultimately, India Women were bowled out for 102 with one over remaining, losing the match by 58 runs. It was a disappointing performance for Harmanpreet Kaur’s side, which struggled across all three departments of the game. This loss not only marked a tough start for India Women in the tournament but also significantly impacted their net run rate due to the substantial margin of defeat.

DEVINE LEADS FROM THE FRONT
Sophie Devine scored a brilliant fifty to lead New Zealand to a competitive 160/4 against India in their first match of the Women’s T20 World Cup. On a sticky pitch where shot-making was tough, Devine anchored the innings with an unbeaten 57 off 36 balls, featuring seven boundaries. Her 46-run stand with Brooke Halliday (16 off 12) in just 4.2 overs lifted New Zealand to a strong total, considering the conditions.

Devine, who dropped herself down the order, showcased excellent footwork, highlighted by a well-executed cover drive off Shreyanka Patil to reach her half-century. Despite good bowling from most Indian bowlers, particularly Asha Sobhana (1/22) and Arundhati Reddy (1/28), Deepti Sharma struggled, conceding 45 runs in her four overs.

CONTROVERSIAL RUN-OUT DECISION
A controversial decision during India’s T20 World Cup 2024 match against New Zealand left the Indian camp stunned, as Amelia Kerr was given not out despite being short of her crease. The incident occurred in the 14th over when Kerr pushed the ball towards long off for a single. Sophie Devine, after a delayed call, prompted Kerr to run for a second. Harmanpreet Kaur’s sharp throw appeared to run Kerr out, leading to celebrations from the Indian side.

However, the umpires declared the ball dead after the first run had been completed, allowing Kerr to return to the crease. This ruling, which caught India by surprise, led to animated discussions between the Indian players, the umpires, and even head coach Amol Muzumdar, who was seen speaking to the fourth umpire. Despite captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s visible frustration, the umpires’ decision stood, and Kerr resumed her innings. She was dismissed in the next over, scoring 13 off 22 balls, but the contentious moment remained a talking point throughout the match.

DISAPPOINTING GROUND FIELDING

India’s ground fielding was disappointing, with Jemimah Rodrigues standing out as the lone exception. Costly errors, including a dropped catch by Richa Ghosh and a misfield from Renuka Singh, allowed New Zealand’s openers, Suzie Bates (27) and Georgia Plimmer (34), to take advantage.

However, once Sobhana and Reddy started bowling after the Powerplay, India regained control, dismissing both openers within three deliveries and slowing down New Zealand’s scoring rate. Despite the setbacks, Devine’s late surge ensured the White Ferns posted a challenging total for India to chase.