New Zealand kicked off their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign with a dominant 58-run victory over pre-tournament favorites India, snapping a ten-match losing streak in T20Is. Sophie Devine starred in the show with an unbeaten 57 off 36 to get the Black Caps up and running in the tournament.
Winning the toss and batting first, Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer got the Kiwis off to a decent start. The pair raced to a team 50 in just 34 balls, smashing five fours and a six, finishing the powerplay at 55 without loss and laying the foundation for a strong total.
Sophie Devine then took the charge to the Indian bowlers, taking advantage of S Asha’s deliveries, hitting back-to-back fours, one driven through mid-off and the other pulled to deep square-leg off the back foot. Devine kept the momentum going, also taking on Renuka Singh by striking consecutive fours in the 15th over. She reached her 21st T20I fifty with a shot to the extra-cover boundary. During her innings, she partnered with Brooke Halliday to add 46 runs off just 26 balls for the fourth wicket, helping New Zealand secure a strong finish.
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine shines with an unbeaten 57, leading her team to a 58-run victory over India in their Women's T20 World Cup opener! 💥🏏
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— Cricket World (@Cricket_World) October 4, 2024
Chasing 161, Indian openers recognized the necessity of a strong powerplay to remain competitive. However, both Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur were dismissed within the first six overs, suggesting they had difficulty adjusting to the pitch’s pace. Jemimah followed shortly after, and from that point on, it was smooth sailing for the New Zealanders. India was all out for just 102 runs in the 19th over, marking only the third time they had been bowled out in a T20 match.
“We didn’t play our best cricket. Going forward, we know every game is important. We created chances but were not able to avail of them. They played better cricket than us, no doubt about that,” Harmanpreet said in a post-match press conference.
“We know this group is capable of better; this wasn’t the start we were expecting, but we have to go from here,” she concluded.
On the other hand, New Zealand snapped a 10-match losing streak, achieving their biggest victory over India in T20 internationals. The ‘White Ferns’ displayed their strength through a comprehensive performance, spearheaded by their captain, Sophie Devine. “I’m just incredibly proud of this group. To put together such a comprehensive performance is something I’m proud of.” Devine said.
Next up, India will play against arch-rivals Pakistan at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday while New Zealand will face Australia on Tuesday, 8 October in Sharjah.
Read More: WTC 2025: Where Do India Stand After Completing 2-0 Bangladesh Sweep
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
