India Women vs New Zealand Women-Hosts Aim to Seal Series in Second ODI at Narendra Modi Stadium

Ahmedabad: The Indian Women's Cricket Team is poised to secure the series as they face New Zealand in the second ODI at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, October 27, 2024. Following a resounding victory in the first ODI, India aims to maintain their momentum against a resilient New Zealand side still reeling from their initial loss.

India's Impressive Start

In the first ODI, India showcased their strength with standout performances from debutants Tejal Hasabnis and Saima Thakor. Their contributions were pivotal in overpowering New Zealand, who had recently tasted success in the T20 World Cup.

Radha Yadav emerged as the star fielder, executing two spectacular catches and a straightforward return catch, despite Deepti Sharma's struggle with three dropped catches.

New Zealand's Competitive Total

Despite India's fielding dominance, New Zealand managed to post a competitive total of 259 on a slow but flat pitch. The innings was spearheaded by half-centuries from seasoned players Sophie Devine (79) and Suzie Bates (58), with valuable contributions from Georgia Plimmer (41) and Maddy Green (42).

New Zealand's innings, fragmented into four phases, began with complete control by openers Bates and Plimmer. Their strategic placement and timing overpowered India's bowlers, propelling New Zealand to 87 in the first 15 overs. Bates' elegant flick to the fine-leg boundary off Saima Thakor was a highlight of this phase.

Key Moments of the Match

The breakthrough for India came in the 16th over when Radha Yadav, positioned at midwicket, dived to her right, dismissing Plimmer for 41 off Deepti Sharma's bowling. This moment initiated a significant shift, as New Zealand's run rate plummeted, and they lost three wickets for just 34 runs in 12 overs.

Bates continued to anchor the innings, reaching her fifty before a deflection off Priya Mishra's hands found Lauren Down short at the non-striker's end in the 21st over. In the 27th over, Radha Yadav's sharp reflexes sent Bates back to the pavilion for 58, but Devine remained resilient.

New Zealand's Resilience

Sophie Devine's steady innings, marked by precision and determination, saw her reach fifty off 65 balls. Despite a minor scare with an overturned lbw decision on 36, Devine's partnership with Maddy Green helped New Zealand add 84 runs for the loss of only one wicket in 17 overs. Green's dynamic batting, highlighted by successive boundaries in the 45th over, kept the scoreboard ticking.

Radha Yadav's fourth wicket came as Green holed out to long-off, but Jess Kerr's boundaries and Devine's six in the final overs boosted New Zealand's total to 259. Radha's impressive figures of 4 for 69 underscored her impact on the match.

India's Challenge

For India, the challenge lies in maintaining their fielding standards and building on their batting prowess. The return of Harmanpreet Kaur, who missed the first ODI due to a niggle, adds depth to the squad. Spin bowlers, particularly Deepti Sharma, will need to tighten their lines and capitalize on opportunities to restrict New Zealand's scoring.

Looking Ahead

As India steps onto the field in Ahmedabad, the focus will be on sealing the series with another comprehensive performance. For New Zealand, the aim will be to regroup, address fielding lapses, and leverage their experienced players to level the series.

With the series poised for an exciting second ODI, cricket enthusiasts can expect a thrilling encounter between two competitive sides. India's bid to secure the series and New Zealand's quest for redemption set the stage for a captivating match at the Narendra Modi Stadium.