### **New Zealand Women vs India Women: A Thrilling Encounter in 2024**

### **New Zealand Women vs India Women: A Thrilling Encounter in 2024**

Today, cricket fans worldwide are glued to their screens as the **New Zealand Women vs India Women** clash unfolds in 2024. The two teams, known for their fierce competition and spirited gameplay, are facing off in what promises to be a memorable match. This live update will keep you informed with real-time action, key moments, and player highlights.

 

#### **1st Innings: India Women Set a Solid Foundation**

India won the toss and opted to bat first, setting the stage for an intense contest. The Indian openers started cautiously, with **Smriti Mandhana** and **Shafali Verma** playing some brilliant strokes to get the team off to a steady start. Both batters demonstrated a mix of patience and aggression, finding gaps and capitalising on loose deliveries. Verma's explosive batting thrilled the crowd as she hit a couple of sixes that soared out of the ground.

 

However, New Zealand’s bowling attack, led by the experienced **Sophie Devine**, soon struck back. Devine managed to dismiss Verma in the powerplay with a well-directed short ball, leaving India at 45/1. But Mandhana stood firm, continuing to anchor the innings with elegance and composure. By the 20-over mark, India had reached 110/2, with hopes of setting a challenging target.

 

#### **Middle Overs: New Zealand Fight Back**

The middle overs saw New Zealand clawing their way back into the game, thanks to some disciplined bowling from **Lea Tahuhu** and **Amelia Kerr**. Kerr, the spin sensation, was particularly effective, breaking partnerships and tightening the run rate. She dismissed Mandhana on 78, a crucial wicket for the Kiwis as India was cruising.

 

India’s middle-order, however, didn't falter. **Harmanpreet Kaur** and **Jemimah Rodrigues** built a steady partnership, rotating the strike well while ensuring the scoreboard ticked along. Rodrigues displayed her finesse with some exquisite cover drives, while Kaur's powerful hitting brought much-needed boundaries as they entered the final overs. 

#### **India Set a Competitive Total**

India’s innings culminated in a total of 265/6 after 50 overs, thanks to a late surge by **Pooja Vastrakar**, who smashed a quickfire 30 off just 15 balls. New Zealand bowlers put in a solid performance but were unable to restrict the Indian batters in the death overs. With a solid score on the board, India entered the break with momentum on their side.

 

#### **New Zealand Women Begin the Chase**

As New Zealand Women began their chase, the pressure was evident. The Indian bowlers came out with aggression, with **Renuka Singh Thakur** taking the new ball. New Zealand openers **Suzie Bates** and **Sophie Devine** began cautiously, aware of the big target ahead.

 

Bates, one of the most consistent batters in women’s cricket, looked in fine touch, picking boundaries and keeping New Zealand in the game. However, Renuka struck early, sending Devine back to the pavilion with a beautiful inswinger. New Zealand were now 34/1 in the 8th over, facing the uphill task of rebuilding.

 

#### **Mid-Innings Drama: Tight Bowling by India**

India’s bowlers tightened the screws in the middle overs, with **Deepti Sharma** and **Rajeshwari Gayakwad** putting on a spin masterclass. Sharma dismissed Bates, who tried to accelerate the run rate but misjudged a delivery, getting caught at mid-wicket. The Kiwi middle-order faced immense pressure as the Indian spinners dominated.

 

**Amelia Kerr**, New Zealand’s standout all-rounder, put up a brave fight, playing some audacious strokes to keep the chase alive. Kerr’s 60 off 70 balls was instrumental in keeping New Zealand’s hopes alive, but wickets kept tumbling at the other end. Sharma’s tight lines and lengths left the New Zealand batters struggling for momentum.

 

#### **Nail-Biting Finish: India Hold Nerve**

As the match entered the final phase, New Zealand needed 70 runs off the last 10 overs with 4 wickets in hand. The game hung in the balance, and both teams were in with a chance. Kerr, along with **Maddy Green**, put up a valiant effort, adding crucial runs and keeping India on their toes.

 

However, Renuka Singh returned for her final spell and dismissed Kerr with a well-directed yorker, shifting the game decisively in India’s favour. The final few overs saw the Indian bowlers holding their nerve, with **Shikha Pandey** cleaning up the lower order. New Zealand’s fight came to an end as they were bowled out for 248, giving India a hard-fought 17-run victory.

 

#### **Post-Match Reflections: A Well-Deserved Win for India**

India Women deservedly walked away with the victory, thanks to an all-round team performance. Smriti Mandhana’s elegant innings set the foundation, while India’s bowlers stepped up under pressure, particularly Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma. New Zealand Women fought valiantly but ultimately fell short in what was an exciting contest.

 

This win puts India Women in a strong position for the rest of the tournament, with their confidence running high. New Zealand, on the other hand, will look to regroup and address their middle-order batting woes as they prepare for their next match.

 

#### **Key Players of the Match**

• - **Smriti Mandhana**: 78 runs off 90 balls (India)
• - **Renuka Singh Thakur**: 4 wickets for 45 runs (India)
• - **Amelia Kerr**: 60 runs off 70 balls (New Zealand)

 

#### **Final Thoughts**

Today’s **New Zealand Women vs India Women** match in 2024 was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with excitement, tension, and brilliant cricket. Both teams showcased their strengths, but it was India Women who came out on top. Fans can look forward to more thrilling contests as the tournament progresses.

 

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