India Women started the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 with a massive 58-run defeat against New Zealand Women in the Group A contest at Dubai. 

After winning the toss, New Zealand Women scored 160/4 in 20 overs. In reply, India Women were all out for only 102 runs in 19 overs. 

New Zealand openers provided a strong start

New Zealand Women’s openers Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer provided a strong start with a 67-run partnership in 46 balls. Starting the innings with a four, both the openers enjoyed the powerplay, especially Plimmer who hit three fours and one six in the powerplay. 

Dismissed both the openers in four balls

After Arundhati Reddy dismissed Bates (27), Asha Sobhana took the wicket of Plimmer (34). 

Amelia Kerr was dismissed after her controversial run-out denied

The Indian cricket team wasn’t happy after Amelia Kerr’s run out was denied on the last ball of the 14th over due to a dead ball. However, Kerr couldn’t use that luck as Renuka Singh sent her back to the pavilion two balls later.

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The captain played game-changing innings

New Zealand captain Sophie Devine played a game-changing knock after settling down in the crease. Her presence always helped the White Ferns maintain a good run rate. Her 57 not out off 36 balls (seven fours) guided New Zealand Women to 160/4. 

Among the Indian bowlers, Ranuka Singh (2/27) took two wickets.

India lost three wickets in the powerplay

India’s match fate was majorly decided in the powerplay when they lost three wickets. Openers Shafali Verma (2) and Smriti Mandhana (12) and the skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (15) were in the pavilion before the end of the powerplay. India ended the powerplay at 43/3. 

Mair and Tahuhu were the stars with the ball

All the New Zealand bowlers performed strongly to deny any comeback of the Indian team in the second innings. However, Rosemary Mair and Lea Tahuhu were exceptional. Mair took four wickets for 19 runs in her four overs, while Tahuhu took three wickets for 15 runs in four overs.