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After a massive defeat against England, Harmanpreet Kaur-led India would take confidence in the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 opener against Sri Lanka, having beaten New Zealand in their second-warm up game. In a rain-curtailed 42 overs per side game, India were set a target of 237 as per DLS method. Harleen Deol and Harmanpreet's half-centuries led India to a four-wicket win with 10 balls to spare.
Gaud strikes twice with new ball
New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine won the toss and opted to bat first. Kranti Goud struck early with the new ball, dismissing Georgia Plimmer. Suzie Bates hit a few boundaries before becoming Gaud's second victim with the new ball. Devine targetted Sneh Rana in her first over, hitting three fours. Amelia Kerr and Devine shared a 91-run partnership for the third wicket. The partnership was broken by Shree Charani in the 25th over. Amelia departed for a 67-ball 40. In her next over, she knocked over Devine for a run-a-ball 54.
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No finish with flourish for White Ferns
Pratika Rawal was handed the ball. In her second over, she got the wicket of Brooke Halliday. Maddy Green looked to score quickly. In the 39th over, Arundhati Reddy got Isabella Gaze stumped for a 31-ball 21. In the 41st over, Jess Kerr was knocked over by Reddy. In the last over, Green hit a four and a six. Charani capped off the innings with Flora Devonshire's wicket. New Zealand posted 232/8.
Solid opening partnership
India got a revised target of 237 as per DLS method. Uma Chetry opened instead of Smriti Mandhana. Pratika Rawal and Chetry got India off to a good start. India crossed the 50-run mark in the eighth over. Jess broke the partnership with Rawal's wicket. She scored 15 runs from 18 balls. Jess was hit for a six in the same over by Chetry. In the next over, Chetry lost her wicket to Eden Carson for a 36-ball 38.
Harmanpreet, Harleen cruise
Harmanpreet and Harleen took control of the run chase. They did not let the tempo drop and found boundaries. In the 28th over, Harleen reached her fifty from 53 balls. In the next over, Harmanpreet hit a boundary off Lea Tahuhu to complete her fifty from 64 balls. India crossed the 200-run mark in the 34th over. After getting much game time, Harleen retired for a 79-ball 74 featuring 10 fours.
Wickets fall but India get home comfortably
In the 37th over, Richa Ghosh got bowled by Bree Illing. Jemimah Rodrigues lost her wicket to Illing as well. Harmanpreet could not finish the run chase and was dismissed by Jess for an 86-ball 69. Deepti Sharma finished the run chase with a boundary. India won the game by four wickets with 10 balls left in the innings.
India will begin their Women's ODI World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka at Barsapar Cricket Stadium, Guwahati on September 30.
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