Tejal Hasabnis and Radha Yadav played pivotal roles in India Women’s 59-run win against New Zealand in the first ODI at Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday. After winning the toss, captain Smriti Mandhana opted to bat first, a decision that worked in India’s favor as they outplayed New Zealand throughout the match.
India got off to a strong start thanks to opener Shafali Verma, who scored 33 off 22 balls, including five fours and a six. However, skipper Mandhana was dismissed early, scoring just 5 runs from 7 balls. Yastika Bhatia contributed with a solid 37 off 43 deliveries, forming a crucial 37-run partnership with Shafali.
The middle order took control, with Tejal Hasabnis (42 off 64) and Deepti Sharma (41 off 51) anchoring India to a total of 227. New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets for 42 runs in her nine overs, while Jess Kerr took three wickets, helping to bowl India out in the 45th over.
New Zealand’s batters struggled during the chase, bowled out for 168. Brooke Halliday top-scored with 39, while Maddy Green added 31. Amelia Kerr remained unbeaten on 25, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win. Radha Yadav led India’s bowling attack with 3/35, while Saima Thakor took 2/2 in her seven-over spell. Deepti Sharma was named ‘Player of the Match’ for her all-round performance.
India now leads the three-match series 1-0, with the second ODI set to take place on October 27 in Ahmedabad.
Brief Scores: India Women 227 (Tejal Hasabnis 42, Deepti Sharma 41, Yastika Bhatia 37; Amelia Kerr 4/42) beat New Zealand Women 168 (Brooke Halliday 39, Maddy Green 31; Radha Yadav 3/35).
