New Zealand enjoyed a strong batting performance, propelled by an excellent start from Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer. Although the middle order struggled to make significant contributions, Sophie Devine’s 79 and Maddy Green’s 42 helped them reach a total of 259/9 in their 50 overs. In response, India stumbled out of the gate, losing Smriti Mandhana to Lea Tahuhu in the very first over. The woes continued as Jess Kerr dismissed Shafali Verma, and Yastika Bhatia failed to make an impact, departing during the powerplay. Amid India’s struggles, Harmanpreet Kaur’s six injected some much-needed energy into the Indian dressing room.
After bowling a no-ball on the fifth delivery of the 10th over, Jess was ready to deliver the extra ball as the Indian skipper took her stance. Kerr bowled a fuller delivery aimed at the middle stump. Meanwhile, Kaur made some room and cleared her front leg and connected with the ball with perfect precision. She launched it towards deep mid-wicket, and it sailed over the boundary for a six. The enormous shot measured 81 meters, prompting an eruption of joy from the crowd as Kaur finally sparked some excitement amidst India’s top-order collapse.
Stand & Deliver ft. Harmanpreet Kaur 💥#IDFCFirstBankODITrophy #JioCinemaSports #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/NawN44tTmP
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) October 27, 2024
