This was must-win territory for each groups, however the bulk of the strain was on India. Trying to find their maiden Ladies’s World Cup crown, they headed into this match, on house soil, as title favourites alongside Australia and England.
Comfy victories over Sri Lanka and Pakistan gave them the perfect begin however then they faltered, struggling consecutive defeats to South Africa, Australia, and England – and on all three events, they have been left to rue what might need been.
They decreased South Africa to 81-5 chasing 252 earlier than being blown away by Nadine de Klerk. They didn’t defend 330 in opposition to Australia, having earlier misplaced 36-6 on the again finish of their innings. Towards England, they didn’t chase 289 regardless of needing a manageable 62 runs from the ultimate 10 overs – they misplaced by 4 runs.
However they returned to profitable methods with a ruthless batting show in opposition to New Zealand.
On the high of the order, Mandhana handed 50 for the third consecutive innings whereas Rawal now has 100 to go along with her half-century in opposition to Australia. Each gamers confirmed good persistence as they weathered the swing of Rosemary Mair and Jess Kerr early within the powerplay earlier than settling into serene partnership in opposition to a toothless New Zealand assault.
Rodrigues, in the meantime, seized her alternative after being promoted up the order, scoring freely across the floor as she turned the seventh India participant to go 50 on the match.
Mixed, India’s batters hit 42 boundaries and scored at just below seven an over.
Nonetheless, the identical ruthlessness was not on show throughout New Zealand’s chase.
They dropped a number of catches, gave up boundaries with ease, and by no means appeared like bowling New Zealand out regardless of eradicating three of their high 4 inside 12 overs.
Whereas Gaze’s onslaught got here too late to place the hosts in any hazard of shedding, India didn’t ship the assertion efficiency which might reaffirm their standing as critical title contenders.
