India’s Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign got off to a rocky start as they suffered a crushing 58-run defeat against New Zealand, marking a disappointing opening game. New Zealand captain Sophie Devine led her team to victory with a commanding all-round performance, helping the ‘White Ferns’ end their 10-match losing streak against India in T20 Internationals.
Devine’s unbeaten knock of 57 from 36 deliveries anchored New Zealand to a competitive total of 160 for 4 on a challenging pitch. Her sharp tactics continued with the ball as she used her slower bowlers to restrict India’s batting, with the team managing just 102 runs in 19 overs.
The match quickly tilted in New Zealand’s favor during the Powerplay, with India losing key batters Shafali Verma (2), Smriti Mandhana (12), and Harmanpreet Kaur (15) for just 43 runs. In contrast, New Zealand’s openers, Suzie Bates (27) and Georgia Plimmer (34), powered through to 55 runs within the first six overs, setting a solid foundation for their total.
India’s batters struggled to match New Zealand’s brute power on a slow, sticky pitch, as the likes of Rosemary Mair (4/19) and Lea Tahuhu (3/15) dominated. India’s inability to handle the conditions, coupled with poor ground fielding and missed opportunities, compounded their woes.
Devine’s calculated approach, both with the bat and as captain, was pivotal, as she expertly capitalized on India’s weak spots. Despite Asha Sobhana’s (1/22) efforts with the ball, India had no answer to Devine’s power-hitting and New Zealand’s strategic play.
The loss leaves India with a steep uphill climb in the tournament, needing to regroup and address their batting and fielding weaknesses if they hope to make a serious bid for the semi-finals.
