All-rounder Jhulan Goswami’s hard fought fifty along with some disciplined bowling from the Indian Bowlers led Indian women to a victory over New Zealand women by 17 runs in the first ODI of the 5 match ODI series.
Electing to bat first at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, India Eves lost wickets at regular intervals but thanks to Goswami’s gritty 57 from 67 deliveries, India Eves eventually reached 142 before getting bundled out in 44.3 overs. This was Jhulan’s maiden ODI half century which was laced by 6 fours and a six and came at a time when her country needed it the most. For New Zealand medium-pacer Lea Tahuhu, left-armer Morna Nielsen and debutant off-spinner Leigh Kasperek bagged three wickets apiece to give the visitors hope.
New Zealand batswoman struggled even more as Indian spinners bowled tight lines and length and kept Kiwis honest. Suzie Bates top scored with 28 but rest of the batswoman couldn’t contribute and New Zealand’s innings ended on 125. Sneh Rana was the pick of the bowlers for the Indians picking up 3 wickets. Left-arm orthodox Ekta Rana and medium-pacer Harmanpreet Kaur picked up two wickets each as left-arm orthodox Rajeshwari Gayakwad also chipped in with a scalp.
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The two teams next meet on 1 July for the second ODI. Kiwis will look to make it 1-1 whereas the Indians would love to stamp their authority on the series by winning the next game and strengthening their chances of winning the series.
Brief Scores:
India Women 142 in 44.3 overs (Jhulan Goswami 57; Lea Tahuhu 3/25, Morna Nielsen 3-24, Leigh Kasperek 3/39).
New Zealand Women 125 in 45.3 overs (Suzie Bates 28, Sophie Devine 24; Sneh Rana 3/26).
