In an exciting start to the three-match ODI series, India secured a decisive 59-run victory over New Zealand in the first Women’s ODI held in Ahmedabad. A brilliant performance by India’s bowling unit, led by the outstanding Radha Yadav, helped India defend a modest total of 227, bowling New Zealand out for 168 in 40.4 overs. With this win, India now leads the series 1-0, setting the tone for the matches ahead.
India Takes Early Control with Key Wickets
India’s bowling attack wasted no time in putting New Zealand under pressure. The debutant pacer, Saima Thakor, made an immediate impact by striking with just her second delivery in international cricket, dismissing the experienced Suzie Bates. Bates edged an away-swinger, and wicketkeeper Yastika Bhatia made no mistake in completing the catch. This early dismissal set the stage for a dominant performance by India’s bowlers.
New Zealand struggled to find momentum, and by the time they reached 79 runs, they had already lost four key wickets. One of the most crucial and bizarre moments of the match came with the dismissal of captain Sophie Devine. In a moment of lapse, Devine failed to ground her foot behind the crease after stumper Yastika Bhatia quickly whipped off the bails following a throw from Deepti Sharma. This unusual dismissal further tilted the match in India’s favor.
Radha Yadav’s Masterclass in Spin Bowling
Radha Yadav was the star performer in India’s bowling attack, demonstrating why she is regarded as one of the top spinners in women’s cricket. Yadav took three crucial wickets, her tight line and variations keeping the New Zealand batters guessing throughout their chase. Her relentless accuracy played a significant role in keeping the opposition under constant pressure, making it difficult for them to form meaningful partnerships.
Her contribution, combined with the solid support from the other bowlers, particularly debutant Saima Thakor, who claimed two wickets, left New Zealand’s batting order in disarray. Thakor’s debut performance added a new dimension to India’s bowling, giving the team the breakthrough they needed at crucial junctures.
Middle-Order Resistance from New Zealand
While New Zealand’s top order faltered, there was a brief glimpse of resistance from their middle-order batters. The fifth-wicket partnership between Brooke Halliday and Maddy Green, worth 49 runs, was the most substantial stand of the innings. This partnership briefly raised New Zealand’s hopes of a comeback, but the required run rate kept mounting, and the Indian bowlers didn’t let up the pressure.
Amelia Kerr showed great determination with an unbeaten 25 from the No.9 position, but without significant support from her teammates, New Zealand’s chances faded quickly. Despite Kerr’s efforts, New Zealand’s innings folded for 168, falling well short of the target.
Redemption for India After World Cup Defeat
This victory was particularly satisfying for India, as it came on the heels of a recent setback against New Zealand. In the 2024 T20 World Cup group stage, Sophie Devine’s New Zealand team had outplayed India, securing a 58-run win, which ultimately propelled New Zealand to their first-ever T20 World Cup title. India’s win in this ODI series opener served as a form of redemption, showcasing their ability to bounce back and compete at the highest level.
India’s Balanced Approach with Both Bat and Ball
Though India’s total of 227 may not have been overly imposing, the team’s balanced approach with both bat and ball proved to be the key to their success. The spinners, particularly Radha Yadav and Deepti Sharma, played a pivotal role in stifling New Zealand’s chase on a slow Ahmedabad pitch, where run-making wasn’t easy.
The Indian team showed resilience in their bowling attack, making the most of the pitch conditions. Their disciplined bowling, combined with sharp fielding, left no room for New Zealand’s batters to recover after early setbacks. Radha Yadav’s three-wicket haul was the highlight of the match, but it was the collective effort of the entire bowling unit that ultimately sealed the win.
Looking Ahead: India’s Strong Start to the Series
With this emphatic win, India has laid down a strong marker in the series, taking a 1-0 lead with two more games to go. The team will be eager to carry this momentum forward and clinch the series in the upcoming matches. New Zealand, on the other hand, will look to regroup and come back stronger, hoping to level the series and keep their hopes alive.
As the series progresses, all eyes will be on India’s bowling attack, particularly Radha Yadav, who continues to prove her mettle as a match-winning bowler. Her performance in the first ODI has not only boosted India’s chances in this series but has also reaffirmed her position as one of the finest spinners in the game today.
In conclusion, India’s 59-run victory over New Zealand in the first Women’s ODI was a testament to their bowling strength, particularly the standout performance from Radha Yadav. The team’s ability to defend a modest total and their sharp fielding contributed to a comprehensive win. With the series still open, cricket fans can expect more thrilling encounters as both teams vie for supremacy in the remaining matches.
