New Zealand Women Post 259 Against India: Radha Yadav Shines
Radha continued her excellent form, claiming Bates’ wicket for 58 in the 27th over. Despite the setbacks, Sophie Devine remained resilient, anchoring the innings. She and Maddy Green combined effectively, stabilizing New Zealand’s innings after the loss of wickets.
In a captivating clash in Ahmedabad, New Zealand Women set a challenging target of 260 runs for India after posting 259 for 9 in their innings. The innings was highlighted by impressive half-centuries from Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates, while Radha Yadav was the standout performer for India, taking four wickets and showcasing exceptional fielding.
Strong Opening Partnership
The New Zealand innings began with a strong opening partnership between Bates and Georgia Plimmer, who combined for an aggressive start. The duo amassed 87 runs in the first 15 overs, hitting 13 fours and a six. Their approach was characterized by precise timing and placement rather than sheer power, with Bates notably flicking a boundary to fine leg, displaying her finesse.
Harmanpreet Kaur, returning to the squad after a brief rest, brought in spin early in an attempt to disrupt New Zealand’s momentum. However, despite her efforts, the openers continued to thrive, with Plimmer receiving a reprieve when Deepti dropped a catch off her bowling. This allowed Plimmer to capitalize, hitting a six and a four off debutant legspinner Priya Mishra.
Radha Yadav’s Intervention
The breakthrough came in the 16th over when Radha executed a stunning catch at midwicket, diving full stretch to dismiss Plimmer for 41. This marked the beginning of a slump for New Zealand, as they struggled to score, managing only 34 runs over the next 12 overs while losing three wickets. Bates, who had passed her fifty, was involved in a run-out when a drive deflected off Mishra’s hands.
Building Towards a Competitive Total
Devine’s brilliance came to the fore as she began to score freely, cutting and pulling for boundaries. Radha's remarkable fielding continued as she took another stunning catch to dismiss Brooke Halliday for 8, further asserting her dominance in the match.
Despite the wickets falling, Devine and Green built a solid partnership, with Devine eventually reaching her fifty off 65 balls. The duo kept the scoreboard ticking, with New Zealand scoring 84 runs for just one wicket in a crucial 17-over phase. In the final overs, New Zealand accelerated, amassing 55 runs in the last six overs, propelled by Devine’s aggressive batting and Green’s contributions.
Radha ended her spell with figures of 4 for 69, including two wickets in the penultimate over, highlighting her all-round contribution to the match.
With a total of 259 on the board, New Zealand will be confident as they look to defend their target against India, who will need a strong batting performance to chase down the runs.
