India’s women cricketers bounced back with a thrilling four-wicket victory over New Zealand in their second ICC Women World Cup warm-up match in Guwahati. Harleen Deol and captain Harmanpreet Kaur smashed half-centuries to chase down a revised target of 237 runs in 42 overs using the DLS method, giving the team a much-needed confidence boost after a loss to England.
The match kicked off with rain delays, but New Zealand captain Sophie Devine won the toss and elected to bat first. India struck early, grabbing two quick wickets to leave the Kiwis at 38/2 after eight overs. Devine and Melie Kerr then built a solid partnership, pushing the score to 132/3 at the halfway mark. Devine top-scored with a classy 54 off 54 balls, including nine fours, before getting out. Kerr made 40, but Maddy Green (49 not out off 42 balls with four boundaries and a six) and Isabella Gaze (21 off 31 with three fours) guided New Zealand to 232/8 in their 42 overs.
In the chase, India raced to 54/0 in the first eight overs, thanks to an aggressive start. But New Zealand’s Jess Kerr broke through by dismissing Pratika Rawal for 15 off 18 balls. Uma Chetry fought hard with 38 off 36 balls—featuring six fours and a six—before falling, leaving India at 71/2.
That’s when Harleen Deol and Harmanpreet Kaur took charge. The duo forged a crucial 132-run stand for the third wicket, steadying the innings during the middle overs. Harleen blazed 74 off 79 balls with 10 boundaries, while skipper Harmanpreet hammered 69 off 86 balls, including eight fours. Bree Illing and Jess Kerr grabbed late wickets, including Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet, but India crossed the line with 10 balls to spare.
On the bowling front, India’s Shree Charani shone with 3/49, while Kranti Goud and Arundhati Reddy picked up two wickets each. This win sets India up nicely for the ICC Women World Cup, highlighting their batting depth and bowling attack in the warm-up games.
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