The fourth women’s ODI between India and New Zealand got reduced to a 20 overs per side following a rain delay in Queenstown on Tuesday. However, the shortened game witnessed some high-octane action after India won the toss and put New Zealand to bat first at John Davies Oval.
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine began the proceedings in grand style and smashed the Indian bowlers to all corners of the ground. In the first six overs, the hosts made 53 runs. Devine’s quickfire 24-ball 32 was cut short by Smriti Mandhana.
It was Mandhana’s first match of the ongoing white-ball series and she immediately left her impact. It all happened on the last ball of the sixth over during New Zealand’s innings.
Renuka Singh bowled a short and wide delivery outside off, asking for trouble. Devine responded to the poor ball and played it uppishly towards backward point. Mandhana, who was fielding at backward point, dived to her left and took a blinder to end the handy knock from White Ferns skipper.
Here is the video:
https://twitter.com/sparknzsport/status/1495958759822163969
The loss of Devine didn’t impact the run flow of New Zealand as the home team ended up posting a humungous 191/5 in 20 overs. Amelia Kerr completely destroyed the Indian bowling attack, playing an unbeaten knock of 68 from 33 deliveries, with the help of 12 boundaries. Suzie Bates (41) and Amy Satterthwaite (32) also made valuable contributions, helping their side reach a massive total.
In reply, the visitors got bundled out for a mere 128 in 17.5 overs, losing the contest by 63 runs. Richa Ghosh (52), Mithali Raj (30), and Mandhana (13) were the only players to reach the double-digit. As many as four Indian batters were dismissed for a duck.
Hayley Jensen (3/32) and Kerr (3/30) were the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand, taking three wickets each. Similarly, Frances Mackay (2/22) and Jess Kerr (2/11) bagged two scalps apiece.
