All-round India beat New Zealand by 59 runs in 1st women's ODI in Ahmedabad

India kicked off their 3-match ODI series with a 59-run victory against New Zealand, despite some nervous moments early in the game. After setting a target of 228, India's bowlers delivered a stellar performance to defend what initially seemed like a below-par total. The visitors were bowled out for 168, with five balls to spare. India started their revenge for the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 loss on the right note as they took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Meanwhile, the recently crowned women's T20 World Cup champions could not hunt down 228



runs.

India's defence of the total started on the right note with debutant Saima Thakor removing Suzie Bates early. Her opener partner Georgina Plimmer followed soon after, dismissed within the power-play, leaving New Zealand in trouble. The game took a bizarre turn when Sophie Devine was run-out in a rather casual fashion for just 2 runs. That moment tilted the momentum firmly in India's favour. Though Maddy Green and Brooke Halliday staged a mini-revival with a 49-run stand. However, both the batters were dismissed in quick succession, which further derailed New Zealand's chase.