Women's T20I WC : India W Lose By 58 Runs To New Zealand, Got a Rough Start at World Cup

In their Women's T20 World Cup 2024 opener on Friday in Dubai, India fell by a significant 58 runs to Sophie Devine's New Zealand. The Indian batting order collapsed as they chased 161, with Harmanpreet scoring the most runs among her teammates with a 14-ball 15-run knock.

Rosemary Mair took a four-wicket haul as New Zealand bowled out India for 102 in 19 overs. Meanwhile, Lea Tahuhu took two wickets, and Eden Carson bagged two dismissals.

India Lost Its First Match Against New Zealand

In Friday's campaign opener for the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup 2024, Team lost to New Zealand by a crushing 58 runs in Dubai. In just 19 overs, India, chasing 161, were bowled out for 102. India's batting performance was disastrous, with Harmanpreet Kaur, captain, scoring 15 runs to lead her team. Rosemary Mair took four wickets for New Zealand, while Lea Tahuhu took three. In the beginning, New Zealand posted 160/4 in 20 overs thanks to Sophie Devine's battling century.

What Harmanpreet Kaur Said On Team's Lose

India captain Harmanpreetadmitted that her team's defeat "wasn't the start" in a post-match interview that made her appear stunned.

"Today, we did not play our best cricket. We must consider the areas in which we can improve moving forward. We must play our best cricket because every game right now is crucial. Chances were created by us, not that we didn't create them. There is no doubt about it: they played cricket better than we did. "You can't make these mistakes at this high level," she stated.

Controversial Runout In India vs New Zealand Match

During a lengthy argument with the match officials, the team captain appeared to reject it. India head coach Amul Mazumdar, along with the other team coaches, had a conversation with the third umpire in Dubai. Harmanpreet and her deputy, Smriti Mandhana, joined in, and the players were instructed to return to the field and resume the match.

Captain Devine of New Zealand decided to bat first after winning the toss. New Zealand made a strong start with Suzie Bates (27) and Georgia Plimmer (34) before Devine's unbeaten half-century (57* off 36 balls) brought them to 160/4.