India eye ODI series win against New Zealand

India made a solid start to the three-match ODI series as they beat New Zealand by 59 runs in the first ODI on Thursday in Ahmedabad. In the absence of regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who missed the game due to a niggle, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana led the side. Batting first, India posted 227 in 44.3 overs with debutant Tejal Hasabnis top scoring with 42 runs from 64 balls. Another debutant, Saima Thakor, had a good day with the ball as she scalped two wickets for 26 runs in seven overs. However, all-rounder Deepti Sharma stole the limelight with contributions with bat and ball. She mustered 41 runs from 51 balls and then claimed one scalp for 35 runs in nine overs.

With another two ODIs to go in the series, the visitors would look to bounce back. This is not just any other bilateral series for New Zealand but an important one as they are fighting for the direct qualification for the ICC Women’s World Cup to be played in India next year.

The second ODI between India and New Zealand will be played on Sunday at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

 

Head-to-Head

India and New Zealand have played 55 ODIs against each other, of which India have won 21 and New Zealand have won 33. In India, of the 21 ODIs played, India have won 11, and New Zealand have won nine.

 

Squads

India: Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, D Hemalatha, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Yastika Bhatia (wicket-keeper), Uma Chetry (wicket-keeper), Sayali Satghare, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Tejal Hasabnis, Saima Thakor, Priya Mishra, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil

New Zealand: Sophie Devine (captain), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze (wicket-keeper), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Polly Inglis (wicket-keeper), Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu

 

Players to watch out

Radha Yadav: This left-arm spinner of India was the pick of the bowlers in the first ODI against New Zealand as she snapped 3/35 in 8.4 overs. She bowled as many as 30 dot balls and was quite economical.

Jemimah Rodrigues: This right-handed middle order batter of India showed grit and determination in her innings of 35 runs from 36 balls in the first ODI against New Zealand. She stitched a crucial 61-run partnership with Hasabnis, which proved to be a turning point in the game.

Amelia Kerr: This dazzling all-rounder of New Zealand sparkled with the ball as she picked 4/42 in nine overs, including one maiden against India in the first ODI. With the bat, she remained unbeaten on 25 runs from 23 balls.

Brooke Halliday: This left-handed middle order batter of New Zealand impressed with 39 runs from 54 balls in the first ODI against India. She was the leading run scorer for her side. Her innings was laced with four hits to the fence.

 

Weather

It would be warm and hazy in the afternoon with temperature touching 38 degrees Celsius. In the evening, the weather is expected to get cooler with temperature dwindling down to 28 degrees Celsius.

 

Match details

Date: October 27, 2024

Time: 1:30 PM

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Live streaming: Sports 18 Network, JioCinema app