New Zealand Level Series Through Devine's All-Round Brilliance
The foundation for this victory was laid by openers Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer, who formed a strong partnership, amassing 87 runs in just 15.3 overs after New Zealand opted to bat first on a favorable pitch. The duo displayed excellent timing, hitting 13 fours and a six between them during their innings.
In a remarkable two-week span for New Zealand women's cricket, their victory in the second ODI against India in Ahmedabad was significant, as it not only leveled the three-match series but also secured crucial points in the Women's Championship, enhancing their chances for direct qualification for next year's ODI World Cup. The White Ferns clinched the match by 76 runs, thanks to standout performances from their experienced players, especially captain Sophie Devine, who scored 79 runs off 86 balls and took three wickets.
The foundation for this victory was laid by openers Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer, who formed a strong partnership, amassing 87 runs in just 15.3 overs after New Zealand opted to bat first on a favorable pitch. The duo displayed excellent timing, hitting 13 fours and a six between them during their innings.
Despite Harmanpreet Kaur's return from injury and the introduction of spin as early as the sixth over, India's fielding let them down. Deepti Sharma dropped Plimmer off her own bowling when Plimmer was on just 16, allowing her to hit a six and a four off debutant leg-spinner Priya Mishra. Deepti's struggles continued as she dropped a total of three catches throughout the innings. However, India eventually took their first wicket through a spectacular catch by Radha Yadav, who dismissed Plimmer for 41 runs.
India's chase started poorly when veteran seamer Lea Tahuhu dismissed Smriti Mandhana in the first over, catching her driving to backward point. They struggled further, losing Shafali Verma and Yastika Bhatia early, leaving them at 26 for 3. Harmanpreet and Jemimah Rodrigues tried to stabilize the innings, forming a brief 38-run partnership before Devine struck again, taking the wicket of Rodrigues.
By the 26th over, India was in dire straits at 102 for 7, with little hope remaining. Despite this, Radha Yadav led a spirited effort, adding 70 runs for the ninth wicket with Saima Thakor. Yadav scored 45 runs, which only slightly mitigated the margin of defeat.
In summary, New Zealand scored 259/9 in their 50 overs, with Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates contributing significantly with 79 and 58 runs, respectively. Radha Yadav was the standout bowler for India, claiming 4 wickets for 69 runs. In response, India managed 183 runs in 47.1 overs, with Radha Yadav top-scoring with 48 runs, while Lea Tahuhu and Sophie Devine each took three wickets. New Zealand’s victory has set the stage for an exciting finale in the series.
