New Zealand obliterated India by a comprehensive margin of 58 runs in the fourth match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Sophie Devine’s scintillating unbeaten knock of 57* and a fiery opening partnership powered New Zealand to the tournament’s highest total yet, setting India a daunting target of 161. India’s chase crumbled under pressure, with wickets tumbling frequently, leaving them well short at 102 all out.
Electing to bat after winning the toss, New Zealand’s decision proved wise on the lively Dubai pitch. Openers Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer gave their side a blistering start, racing to 55 within the powerplay, aided by some shoddy Indian fielding. Although Arundhati Reddy eventually claimed Bates for 27, and Plimmer fell shortly after a quickfire 34 (23), the damage had been done. Sophie Devine’s composed innings anchored the Kiwi assault, while Brooke Halliday chipped in with a lively cameo of 16 runs, and Maddy Green added a late boundary-laden 5* to propel New Zealand to a formidable 160/4.
India, known for their aggressive top order, faltered from the start. Eden Carson struck early, dismissing both openers in quick succession—Shafali Verma caught off her own bowling for just 2, and Smriti Mandhana lofting a catch to long-on for 12. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur attempted to rebuild but was trapped lbw by Rosemary Mair at the tail end of the powerplay, leaving India in dire straits at 38/3.
The middle order, led by Jemimah Rodrigues, showed some promise, but her innings of 13 (11) was cut short, leaving India’s lower order with an insurmountable task. Richa Ghosh (12), Deepti Sharma (13), and Pooja Vastrakar (8) made valiant efforts, but their contributions weren’t enough to stave off a rampant New Zealand bowling attack.
Rosemary Mair was the star with the ball, finishing with figures of 4/19, while Lea Tahuhu (3/15) and Eden Carson (2/34) provided ample support, dismantling India’s batting lineup. New Zealand’s clinical performance left India 58 runs adrift of their target, dealing a blow to their campaign in Group A.
New Zealand’s resounding victory not only gave them a perfect start in the group but also sent a strong message to other competitors, including defending champions Australia, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Despite their past T20 World Cup finals appearances, neither New Zealand nor India has claimed the elusive title, but with performances like this, the Kiwis appear poised to challenge for ultimate glory.