The Indian women's cricket team suffered its second-largest defeat in T20 World Cups the Women in Blue lost their 2024 World Cup opener to New Zealand by 58 runs. In reply to 161, India were folded for just 102.
India were handed a target of 161 by the White Ferns on a pitch that seemed to be slow. The Indians were never in the run-chase with the highest individual scorer being captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who made 15. Lea Tahuhu showed her experience, while Rosemary Mair's swing troubling the Indians. Rosemary was the pick of the bowlers as she scalped 4/19 in her four overs. Tahuhu took 3/15 in her four overs to derail the run-chase.
With the loss, India's semifinal hopes have taken a hit in the first game itself. The group features five teams with only two making it to the next stage. India have to face the six-time winners Australia along with Asian champions Sri Lanka in the matches to follow. India's next match will be against Pakistan on Sunday, October 6. Any further hiccup might well cost them a spot in the semis.
India's largest defeats in Women's T20 World Cups:
1 - 108-run loss to Australia in 2020 World Cup final
2 - 58-run loss to New Zealand in 2024 World Cup
3 - 52-run loss to New Zealand in 2009 World Cup
4 - 22-run loss to Sri Lanka in 2014 World Cup
With this win, New Zealand have ended their 10-match losing streak. The White Ferns' last T20I win came in March 2024 when they managed to win one game in the five-match series against England at home. The Sophie Devine-led side lost 5-0 to England away from home before a 3-0 loss to Australia in the lead-up to the tournament.
Coming to the game, India fell flat in the slow conditions. The ball was not coming to the bat well and the batters were finding it tough to time the ball. None of the batters could find a way to counter the disciplined bowling of the Sophie Devine-led team. Devine was adjudged the Player of the Match as she made 57 from 36 balls to take her team to a strong total.
