All-round India beat New Zealand by 59 runs in 1st women's ODI in Ahmedabad

India beat New Zealand by 59 runs in 1st women's ODI match to take 1-0 lead in the 3-match series. Deepti Sharma was adjudged as the Player of the Match for her all-round show.

In Short

• India women's team beat New Zealand by 59 runs
• Deepti Sharma wins Player of the Match award
• India take 1-0 lead in the 3-match ODI series

India kicked off their 3-match ODI series with a 59-run victory against New Zealand, despite some nervous moments early in the game. After setting a target of 228, India's bowlers delivered a stellar performance to defend what initially seemed like a below-par total. The visitors were bowled out for 168, with five balls to spare. India started their revenge for the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 loss on the right note as they took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Meanwhile, the recently crowned women's T20 World Cup champions could not hunt down 228 runs.

India's defence of the total started on the right note with debutant Saima Thakor removing Suzie Bates early. Her opener partner Georgina Plimmer followed soon after, dismissed within the power-play, leaving New Zealand in trouble. The game took a bizarre turn when Sophie Devine was run-out in a rather casual fashion for just 2 runs. That moment tilted the momentum firmly in India's favour. Though Maddy Green and Brooke Halliday staged a mini-revival with a 49-run stand. However, both the batters were dismissed in quick succession, which further derailed New Zealand's chase.

India beat New Zealand

Saima shines on debut

Amelia Kerr, while battling an injury, came out to bat at No. 9. She built a small partnership with Isabella Gaze, giving India a few nervous moments, but the visitors couldn't sustain the fight. Gaze fell attempting a big shot, and a chaotic run-out brought the innings to an abrupt end, sealing the win for India.
Radha Yadav led India's bowling attack with three wickets, while Saima picked up two on debut. Deepti Sharma and Arundhati Reddy also chipped in with a wicket each, and India's sharp fielding resulted in three crucial run-outs.

Earlier in the game, India struggled to post a competitive total on a good batting surface. Shafali Verma looked in good touch but couldn't convert her start. While five batters crossed 30 but failed to push on for a big score. India's top score was Tejal Hasabnis with her 42-run knock. Amelia Kerr was the standout bowler for New Zealand, finishing with 4/34, while her sister Jess Kerr took three wickets to restrict India to 227.

Despite a shaky batting display, India's bowlers made up for it with a disciplined effort, handing the hosts a morale-boosting victory.