India claimed a solid 59-run victory over New Zealand in the first Women’s ODI in Ahmedabad, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing a modest target of 228, New Zealand was dismissed for 168, with India’s bowlers—led by Radha Yadav—demonstrating exceptional control. Left-arm spinner Yadav delivered a standout performance, taking 4 for 42. Debutant pacer Saima Thakor made an instant impact, dismissing opener Suzie Bates for just one in her second delivery as Bates edged an outswinger to keeper Yastika Bhatia. Radha Yadav shines as India secures a 59-run victory over New Zealand in the first Women’s ODI.
New Zealand stumbled to 79 for 4, with one of the day’s more unusual moments coming with the dismissal of captain Sophie Devine, who was run out by keeper Yastika after forgetting to bring her feet back behind the crease. The visitors briefly threatened a comeback through Brook Halliday (39) and Maddy Green (31), who built a promising 49-run partnership for the fifth wicket—the highest of New Zealand’s innings. However, Thakor’s return to dismiss Halliday disrupted the stand, after which New Zealand struggled to regain momentum.
Earlier in the day, India, opting to bat first, faced challenges of their own against New Zealand’s bowlers, particularly the Kerr sisters. Leg-spinner Amelia Kerr (4/42) and medium-pacer Jess Kerr (3/49) led the attack, supported by off-spinner Eden Carson (2/42). Despite getting promising starts, Indian batters failed to capitalize. Deepti Sharma (41), debutant Tejal Hasabnis (42), Shafali Verma (33), Yastika (37), and Jemimah Rodrigues (35) all had good starts but couldn’t convert these into big scores. Hasabnis, in particular, looked well-set before she misjudged a flighted delivery from Amelia Kerr and was stumped by Isabella Gaze.Radha Yadav shines as India secures a 59-run victory over New Zealand in the first Women’s ODI.
The bright spot in India’s innings was a solid 61-run partnership for the fifth wicket between Rodrigues and Hasabnis. However, India’s batting momentum suffered an early blow as captain Smriti Mandhana, stepping in for the resting Harmanpreet Kaur, was dismissed in the third over. Mandhana’s dismissal left India struggling to set a steady pace, and they were eventually bowled out for a slightly below-par 227.Radha Yadav shines as India secures a 59-run victory over New Zealand in the first Women’s ODI.
Despite these batting struggles, India’s bowlers stepped up on the spin-friendly pitch to seal the victory.
