Sophie Devine, Rosemary Mair shine as New Zealand beat India in 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup

In Game 4 of Group A Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, New Zealand registered a convincing victory of 58 runs India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday (October 4). Chasing a target of 161 set by New Zealand, India were bowled out for 102 in 19 overs. Sophie Devine‘s brilliant knock of 57* again Rosemary Mair’four wickets were crucial to New Zealand’s performance.

Strong batting performance from New Zealand

New Zealand set themselves a competitive target of 160, thanks to a concerted batting effort. Suzie Bates again Georgia Plimmer provided a strong start with 27 and 34 points, respectively. Captain Devine played a vital role by hitting a quickfire 57* off 36 balls, hitting seven boundaries and ensuring his team’s finish. Amelia Kerr gave 13, while Brooke Halliday he added 16 runs in the death overs. Their aggressive approach helped the White Ferns reach a tough total despite India trying to slow them down with wickets in regular time.

India struggle with early wickets

India’s chase got off to a bad start, losing Shafali Verma again Smriti Mandhana within the first five overs. Harmanpreet Kaur again Jemima Rodrigues they tried to rebuild but failed to turn their starts around, adding only 15 and 13 runs, respectively. The Indian batting slumped under the pressure of the New Zealand bowling, with key players struggling to form partnerships. Losing early wickets signaled a serious setback, making the chase an uphill task for the Indian team.

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Rosemary Mair and Lea Tahuhu bowled a killer ball

New Zealand’s bowling attack, led by Mair (4/19) and Lea Tahuhu (3/15), dismantled India’s batting order. Mair’s skill saw him pick four crucial wickets, breaking India’s middle-order resistance. Tahuhu was equally effective, picking up three tackles, including the dangerous Rodrigues once Deepti Sharma. Their combined efforts restricted India to a below average total, as neither Indian batter could stay cool for long.

Sophie Devine’s leadership and match-winning knock

Devine’s captain stood out in the game, both in batting and in the field by grabbing three goals. An aggressive 57* off 36 deliveries was the cornerstone of New Zealand’s innings, guiding his team to a solid total. Devine not only led the way with the bat but also masterminded the fielding, ensuring that the Indian batsmen did not find any rhythm. His all-round performance earned him the man of the match award, as New Zealand won by 58 runs.

Here’s how netizens reacted:

When I watch Rosemary Mair bowl on days like today, it makes me wonder how she hasn’t cemented her place as New Zealand’s fast bowler. He’s ridiculously good.#T20WorldCup #TeamPacer

— Ananya Upendran (@a_upendran11) October 4, 2024

Rosemary Mair – You are precious.

You haven’t been attracted to a pacer more than Mair in the last 2 years. The power it has is important!

— Jeet Vachharajani (Women’s Cricket) (@Jeetv27WC) October 4, 2024

I have to update Sophie Devine as my pfp again. Sounds like he’s back to his best… Just look at how hard he’s destroying us here.

– Sai (@akakrcb6) October 4, 2024

Divine game play frm Sophie Devine🔥 #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/AY6HIzIbPF

— Paapi Gudiya😎 (@epic_meme00) October 4, 2024

You will ALWAYS be a fan of Sophie Devine

— Tabrez (@tabrezdont) October 4, 2024

None of the Indian batsmen except Smriti showed any intention of hitting big shots. Bas touch play se jeetenge yeh WC. I’ve said this before, the IWCT has been left behind when it comes to batting. Pak, SL, Ire found them about the process

— Kshitij Ojha (@Kshitij070) October 4, 2024

NZ have won 1 match in their last 15 T20Is and are currently on a 10 match losing streak… But today they tormented India here…. What a disappointing defeat…

— arfan (@Im__Arfan) October 4, 2024

When is the next Women’s T20 World Cup?

– Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) October 4, 2024

At least look at NRR. India hurt their campaign in more ways than one on the first day itself.

– Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) October 4, 2024

Sophie Devine.

Throwing himself like this at this age, shows his commitment. A true team player, a LEADER!! #INDvNZ

– Aakash Sivasubramaniam (@aakashs26) October 4, 2024

Excellent bowling performance from New Zealand 👏🏏#women #cricket #INDvNZ #T20WorldCup #CricketTwitter #Women’s cricket pic.twitter.com/PT3NXHrMV4

– WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) October 4, 2024

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This article was originally published on WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.