IND W vs NZ W: New Zealand make strong comeback win over India in 2nd ODI

New Zealand Women’s team roared back to winning ways with a decisive victory over India in the second ODI in Ahmedabad, clinching the win by 76 runs on October 27. The T20 World Cup champions demonstrated resilience and form, showcasing exceptional batting and bowling performances, particularly by Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu. After India's promising bowling display in the series opener, they failed to keep the same pressure, allowing New Zealand to post a solid total of 259, primarily due to the opening stand from Bates and Georgia Palmer, who forged an 87-run partnership.

Bates’s steady innings laid a strong foundation for New Zealand’s batting, while Palmer’s aggressive support at the other end kept the score ticking at a brisk rate. Bates eventually scored **X** runs off **X** balls, marking her as a standout player of the match. Contributions from the middle order further bolstered the total, creating a challenging target for India.

However, India’s batting faltered significantly, leading to a comprehensive defeat. None of the Indian batters managed to play a substantial innings,



with Radha Yadav being the only silver lining in the side with her 48-run knock after having already impressed with her 4/69 spell. The team’s hopes rested heavily on senior players like Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues, but Mandhana’s early dismissal for a duck and Rodrigues’s quick exit left India in disarray. Yastika Bhatia, who had shown promise in recent outings, was also dismissed cheaply, as New Zealand’s Lea Tahuhu delivered a stellar bowling spell of 3/42, dismantling the Indian lineup with accuracy and pace.

This win sets up a thrilling series decider in Ahmedabad on October 29, where both teams will have all to play for. For New Zealand, the victory boosted their morale and underscored their depth and versatility in the ODI format. Meanwhile, India faces mounting pressure to win the final match and salvage pride after their group-stage exit from the T20 World Cup. A win would be crucial for India's morale as they strive to regain confidence on the home turf and avoid a disappointing series loss. The stage is now set for an intense final clash, with both teams aiming to end the series on a high.