In a thrilling contest, New Zealand‘s experienced trio – Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates, and Lea Tahuhu – leveled the series 1-1 against India in their recent ODI match, securing a 76-run win. Despite a strong and all-round performance from India’s Radha Yadav, her efforts couldn’t prevent India from falling short in a challenging chase. New Zealand’s win also brought them crucial points in the ICC Women’s Championship, boosting their chances for direct qualification for next year’s World Cup.
New Zealand set a competitive target with a total of 259 runs for 9 wickets, anchored by impressive half-centuries from Devine and Bates. In response, India’s chase struggled from the outset, eventually folding for 183 runs. Although Radha’s late contribution, a 48-run knock at No. 9, kept India’s hopes alive for a brief period, the early damage and New Zealand’s bowling kept them out of contention.
A Solid Start by New Zealand
The game began with a powerful opening stand from New Zealand, with Bates (58) and Georgia Plimmer (41) forming a partnership of 87 runs for the first wicket. Their combination of precise timing and strategic placement yielded 13 fours and a six, pushing the score to 87 within the first 15 overs. India, however, missed early chances, with Deepti Sharma dropping Plimmer on 16, a costly error that allowed New Zealand to set a firm foundation.
India introduced spin as early as the sixth over with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who had returned to the lineup after missing the first ODI. But the tactic did little to disrupt the New Zealand batters’ momentum, as Bates and Plimmer continued to build a solid score. The partnership finally broke when Radha Yadav took an exceptional diving catch off Deepti’s bowling to dismiss Plimmer. From there, India managed to slow New Zealand’s run rate, taking three wickets within 12 overs while restricting them to just 34 runs.
Devine’s Resilient Innings and India’s Missed Opportunities
Even with wickets falling on the other end, Sophie Devine’s presence at the crease kept New Zealand’s innings steady. She crafted a composed innings of 79 runs, with deft strokes that included cutting, pulling, and flicking boundaries at crucial moments. India’s fielding continued to miss chances, as Deepti dropped Bates again, opting for a one-handed attempt rather than using both hands. Eventually, Radha dismissed Bates with a catch-and-bowl effort, ending her knock at 58.
This didn’t break New Zealand’s rhythm, as they regrouped. Devine partnered with Maddy Green in the later stages, adding 84 runs over 17 overs for the team. Green’s determination was clear as she put pressure on India’s bowlers, although Deepti dropped her at 6, giving New Zealand yet another chance to build a strong innings. By the 41st over, Devine reached her fifty off 65 balls, setting New Zealand up for a powerful finish.
The final six overs witnessed a surge in New Zealand’s scoring, adding 55 runs. Green’s aggressive stroke play, combined with boundaries from Jess Kerr and a six from Devine, pushed New Zealand’s total to a commanding 259.
India’s Struggle in the Chase
India’s chase started poorly, and the team struggled to gain any momentum early on. Within the first five overs, they were down three key wickets with a mere 26 runs on the board. Smriti Mandhana fell for a duck, chipping a delivery from Tahuhu to point, while Shafali Verma (11) and Yastika Bhatia (0) also departed quickly, leaving India in a precarious position.
The middle-order partnership between Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues added a temporary 38-run stability, but Kaur’s dismissal for 24 meant that the pressure continued to mount. At 77 for 5 by the 18th over, India’s chances were fading. Radha Yadav’s entry at No. 9 brought a glimmer of hope, as she fought back valiantly, scoring a quick 48 runs and partnering with Saima Thakor for a 70-run stand—the highest-ever ninth-wicket partnership for India in ODIs.
Despite Radha’s heroics, New Zealand’s bowling attack, led by Devine (3-27) and Tahuhu (3-42), made sure India’s lower order couldn’t pull off a comeback. Izzy Gaze, New Zealand’s wicketkeeper, played a key role behind the stumps, taking four catches and displaying sharp reflexes.
A Series Decider Awaits
New Zealand’s performance underscored their experience and skill, especially with Devine, Bates, and Tahuhu stepping up in key moments. Their victory set the stage for a series decider, and with both teams holding one win apiece, the final match promises to be an intense battle.
For India, Radha’s exceptional all-round performance remains a highlight despite the defeat. As they move into the decider, India will look to address early batting weaknesses and fielding errors, which proved costly. With a chance to win the series on the line, both teams will undoubtedly bring their best in the upcoming contest.
