Twitter Reactions: Clinical India pick 59-run win over New Zealand to go 1-0 up

India women defeated New Zealand women by 59 runs in the first ODI of the series at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The hosts were under tremendous pressure leading up to the game as their exit from the group stage of the T20 World Cup is still fresh in the minds of the fans. There were questions about Harmanpreet Kaur’s captaincy as well, as former captain Mithali Raj indicated that she won’t be surprised if BCCI officials decide to bring in someone new.

While Harmanpreet wasn’t removed, the Women's ODI World Cup in 2025 will be key for her. The preparation for that started with the series against New Zealand, in which, the hosts performed well but there remains room for improvement. Meanwhile, the captain wasn’t available for selection for the first ODI as BCCI officials confirmed that she is currently out with a niggle.

In her absence, senior batter Smriti Mandhana led the side but the 28-year-old won’t be too happy with her performance. She had a terrible time in the T20 World Cup and against New Zealand, she scored only five runs. Her batting partner Shafali Verma made 33 runs while Yastika Bhatia scored 37.

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The middle order did well but none of them could convert their starts. Jemimah Rodrigues made 35 runs, while debutant Tejal Hasabnis scored 42 runs. Batting at seven, Deepti Sharma made 41 as India posted 227 runs on board. Amelia Kerr was once again the star with the ball, picking up four wickets while Jess clinched three.

When it came to the chase, the White Ferns lost wickets at quick intervals and that made the chase difficult for them. They were reduced to 46/3 at one stage and the game kept getting difficult as the game progressed. Brooke Halliday and Maddy Green made 39 and 31 respectively. New Zealand needed one of them to stick till the end but the Indian bowlers didn’t give them any room as Radha Yadav picked up three wickets while debutant Saima Thakur secured  as many.

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