With Australia also in Group A, the clash between India and New Zealand assumes extra importance in the race for semi-final berths at Women's T20 World Cup 2024. Follow the live cricket scores and updates from the IND-W vs NZ-W match
It's all happening in Dubai. First, Amelie Kerr and Sophie Devine try to steal a second run with the ball in Harmanpreet Kaur's hand in the outfield at the end of the 14th over. The Indian captain throws the ball at the keeper's end and Richa Ghosh takes off the bails to find Kerr short of her ground. But umpire Jacqueline Williams is tying her laces and deems it a dead ball. Harmanpreet is not impressed, and a lengthy debate follows. The decision stays, however.
Luckily for India, they don't lose much from it as Kerr is caught at cover in the very next over. Meanwhile, Devine is still going strong and looking dangerous now alongside new batter Brooke Halliday, who is growing in confidence too.
As mentioned by the on-air commentators as well, New Zealand have altered their T20I strategy tonight. They are going with a much more aggressive and unfettered approach with the bat, and reaping the rewards too so far. Despite the loss of both openers in quick succession, the White Ferns' run rate hasn't fallen too much. Kiwi skipper Sophie Devine has walked in and propped up the tempo with some sublime hits and hard running between the wickets. India need to see her back soon to regain ascendancy.
India finally get the much-needed breakthrough, and one leads to two. Arundhati Reddy's full delivery is lofted towards deep midwicket by Suzie Bates, but she picks out Shreyanka Patil there who makes no mistake. Leggie Asha Sobhana then dislodges the other opener Georgia Plimmer in the ninth over, having her caught by Smriti Mandhana at long on. The momentum swings India's way; can they take charge now?
It has been a blazing start from the White Ferns openers. Suzie Bates began the onslaught in the first over, and Georgia Plimmer has followed suit from the other end. India have been sloppy in the field too, with Renuka Thakur letting one slip through the legs at the square leg fence and 'keeper Richa Ghosh dropping a swirling but regulation skier to let Bates off. The team fifty comes up for New Zealand in the sixth over, and India badly need a wicket or a quiet couple of overs here.
Play begins in Dubai and Suzie Bates belts Pooja Vastrakar for a four off the very first ball with a dismissive pull. She follows it up with another boundary off the third ball, this time charging down the track and driving with elan to beat the diving mid-off. New Zealand off to a good start.
Harmanpreet Kaur: We just want to go out there and play good cricket. All the players back themselves. It's the best team and the best team we have in this format. We have a balanced side. We have a long batting line-up as well. It's all about going out there and enjoying ourselves.
Sophie Devine: I've been really happy about the way the team's gone about its business. Results haven't gone our way but we're always learning. Looking to put our best foot forward in this one. It's going to be slower, there's still runs in it. Still opportunity to be attacking.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur has lost the toss and been asked to field first by New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine.
India Women: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh(w), Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Pooja Vastrakar, Shreyanka Patil, Asha Sobhana, Renuka Thakur Singh.
New Zealand Women: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine(c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze(w), Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson.
India have won four of their last five T20 international encounters, with the only loss coming in the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka. New Zealand, on the other hand, are in a rut and have lost 10 back-to-back games. They need a win tonight to regain their confidence but it won't be easy against a power-packed Indian side.
India's opening Women's T20 World Cup fixture will commence at 7:30pm IST, with the toss scheduled for 7pm IST. The match will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network in India, and will be live-streamed on the Disney+Hotstar app and website in India. This will be India's first T20I appearance since the Asia Cup final loss to Sri Lanka in Dambulla on July 28. (Scorecard | More Cricket News)