Deepti Sharma’s All-Round Performance Lifts India to Victory in First ODI Against New Zealand
India secured a 59-run victory in the first ODI against New Zealand in Ahmedabad, thanks to Deepti Sharma’s all-round performance and Radha Yadav’s sharp bowling. Deepti contributed with both bat and ball, scoring 41 and taking 1-35, while Radha took 3-35, dismantling New Zealand's batting lineup. Despite strong bowling from the Kerr sisters, who took seven wickets combined, New Zealand fell short in their chase.
After winning the toss, India chose to bat but struggled initially. Stand-in skipper Smriti Mandhana, filling in for Harmanpreet Kaur, who missed the game due to a niggle, was dismissed for just five runs by Jess Kerr. However, Shafali Verma and Yastika Bhatia provided momentum by scoring aggressively, with Shafali taking 17 runs off Jess’s fifth over. But India's top order wobbled after the PowerPlay as both Yastika and Dayalan Hemalatha fell in quick succession.
Jemimah Rodrigues and debutant Tejal Hasabnis steadied India with a crucial 61-run partnership, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking even without boundaries. However, Rodrigues was trapped LBW, and Hasabnis was stumped shortly afterward, leaving India at risk of a low total. Deepti then played an essential role, batting with the tail to push India’s score above 200. Although India’s innings ended at 227 with all players out in 44.3 overs, Deepti’s contribution was vital.
New Zealand faced an equally challenging start, with veteran Suzie Bates dismissed for just one by debutant Saima Thakor. Georgia Plimmer, who had been in form at the recent T20 World Cup, tried to build momentum, hitting a few boundaries, but she was caught by Deepti. Skipper Sophie Devine was then run-out in an unusual dismissal when her foot landed on the crease line, reducing New Zealand to 46 for 3.
Lauren Down and Brooke Halliday attempted to recover with a short partnership before Down was caught out. Halliday and Maddy Green later added 49 runs, raising New Zealand's hopes, but Thakor dismissed Halliday, and Green was run-out shortly after, shifting the game firmly back in India’s favor. With Jess Kerr also dismissed for three, India tightened their grip on the game.
Amelia Kerr came in at number nine, showing intent to challenge India’s bowlers and keep New Zealand in the game. However, after Isabella Gaze was caught at long-on and Radha Yadav cleaned up Molly Penfold, Carson’s run-out sealed the deal. New Zealand was all out for 169 in 40.4 overs, handing India a comfortable 59-run win.
Brief Scores:
India: 227 all-out in 44.3 overs (Tejal Hasabnis 42, Deepti Sharma 41; Jess Kerr 4-42, Amelia Kerr 3-49)
New Zealand: 169 all-out in 40.4 overs (Brooke Halliday 39, Maddy Green 31; Radha Yadav 3-35, Saima Thakor 2-26)
India now leads the series 1-0, with Deepti’s versatile performance and Radha’s timely wickets setting the tone for their victory.
