After a disappointing Women’s T20 World Cup, India Women started the WODI series against New Zealand Women strongly. In the chase, India Women brilliantly dismissed the New Zealand Women skipper Sophie Devine as Deepti Sharma and wicketkeeper Yastika Bhatia jointly worked impressively to create a bizarre run out. 

Smriti Mandhana led India team

In the absence of captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana led the Indian women’s team in the first game of the three-match WODI series. After Mandhana won the toss at Ahmedabad, she chose to bat first. India Women scored 227 runs before losing all wickets in 44.3 overs.

In reply, the debutant and right-arm pacer Saima Thakor dismissed the opener Suzie Bates (1) in her first over.    

After dismissing the opener and in-form Georgia Plimmer (25) in the last over of the first powerplay, Deepti Sharma stunned with a brilliant run out in her next over. 

Sophie Devine's bizarre run out

Captain Sophie Devine just came to the crease, who is known to play brilliantly against the spinners. It was the 12th over of the second innings when the visitors were approaching towards the 50 runs. 

On the final ball of the 12th over, Devine played a defensive shot as the ball travelled toward the bowler. Observing the White Ferns skipper was outside the crease, first Sharma waited and then rightly threw the ball towards the keeper Bhatia, who quickly took off the bails. Although Devine was aware of the situation, she wasn’t careful enough. Devine’s foot was on the line, and when her foot crossed the crease, it was too late for her.

Sharp presence of mind produces a big wicket!👌👌

New Zealand lose their third in the chase as Sophie Devine is run-out.

Live - https://t.co/VGGT7lSS13#TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/gvANXADVkA

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) October 24, 2024

It was a huge wicket for the Indian team as the White Ferns were suddenly struggling at 46/3. 

Devine is the fourth leading run-scorer for New Zealand Women in the WODI format. In 148 WODIs, the right-handed batter scored 3862 runs with an average of 31.65, including eight centuries and 15 half-centuries.