In the Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup, India lost to New Zealand by 58 runs in Dubai last night. Chasing a target of 161 runs, the Women in Blue were bundled out for just 102 runs in 19 overs. For New Zealand, Rosemary Mair took four wickets. Earlier, opting to bat first, New Zealand posted 160 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs. Sophie Devine top-scored with an unbeaten 57 off 36 balls. Renuka Singh took two wickets for India. The Indian women’s cricket team faced a tough start to their T20 World Cup campaign with a loss to New Zealand, which also ended New Zealand’s 10-match losing streak in T20Is.
India, placed in the group of death, faces tough competition ahead, including a match against defending champions Australia on October 13. However, the road to the semi-finals remains wide open. The Harmanpreet-led side will have a chance to redeem themselves, starting with their clash against arch-rivals Pakistan tomorrow, followed by Sri Lanka on October 9.
To strengthen their play-off chances, India must win all three remaining matches and significantly improve their net run rate by securing comprehensive victories. Today, Australia will face Sri Lanka in a Group A match, starting at 3:30 PM IST. In the second match, England will take on Bangladesh in a Group B fixture at 7:30 this evening. Both matches will be held in Sharjah.
