Tue Oct 08 14:34:30 UTC 2024: ## India Suffers Crushing Defeat Against New Zealand in T20 World Cup Opener
**Sharjah:** India’s campaign in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 got off to a disastrous start with a crushing 58-run defeat against New Zealand in their opening match in Dubai.
New Zealand, batting first, posted a challenging 160/4 in their allotted 20 overs, a target that proved too steep for India. The Indian batting lineup crumbled under pressure, failing to handle New Zealand’s disciplined bowling.
Captain Sophie Devine led the way for New Zealand, smashing an unbeaten 57 runs, while Amelia Kerr and Brooke Halliday also contributed significantly. Early wickets of Shefali Verma (2) and Smriti Mandhana (12) left India reeling early. Harmanpreet Kaur (15) and Jemimah Rodrigues (13) showed some resistance but failed to capitalize on a promising start.
A stunning spell from Leigh Tahuhu, who claimed the wickets of Richa Ghosh (12), Deepti Sharma (13) and Jemimah Rodrigues, effectively sealed India’s fate. The Indian batting order collapsed to 102 all out in 19 overs, with only Pooja Vastrakar (8) offering any late fight.
India will now look to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming matches if they are to have any chance of progressing in the tournament.
First Piper 