Ahmedabad: India claimed a 59-run victory in the opening match against New Zealand, courtesy an exceptional bowling display that made up for a lacklustre showing with the bat.
At the halfway stage, a total of 227 seemed underwhelming, but India's disciplined bowlers turned the tide in their favour.
The match began with Saima Thakor's key breakthrough, dismissing Suzie Bates early on. New Zealand’s chase took a further blow when star allrounder Amelia Kerr (25*) left the field due to injury, leaving their batting lineup under pressure. Skipper Sophie Devine's careless and casual dismissal for two runs gifted India a crucial wicket, a moment that proved to be the turning point of the match.
Despite their setbacks, New Zealand fought back valiantly. Maddy Green (31 off 32) and Brooke Halliday 39 off 54) shared a crucial partnership, momentarily shifting momentum. However, their dismissals in quick succession during the same over tilted the match decisively towards India.
Kerr, bravely returning at number nine, formed a brief but nervy stand with wicketkeeper Izzy Gaze (9).
However, Gaze’s dismissal while attempting a big hit and a final runout sealed the fate of the match.
New Zealand will be disappointed not to have chased down a modest target on what appeared to be a favourable batting track, as India claimed a 1-0 lead in the series.
Earlier, New Zealand had kept India in check with a disciplined bowling effort. Though Shafali Verma (33 off 22) looked promising, she failed to convert her start into a big score, reflecting the theme of India’s innings.
No Indian batswoman reached fifty, with a top score of 42, and despite several getting starts, they were unable to capitalise.
Kerr was once again the star with the ball for New Zealand, taking four wickets, while her sister Jess Kerr chipped in with three. India’s inability to push for a bigger total was evident, as they left 5.3 overs unused.
Coach Amol Muzumdar was visibly frustrated as India’s innings came to an early close, with Deepti Sharma (41 off 51) the last batswoman to fall.
Despite the frustrations with the bat, India’s bowlers ensured the low total was enough to secure the win.
India lead the series 1-0.
