Women's WC 2022: Sophie's scorching 161 stuns Australia as New Zealand overhaul 322-run target in warm up

SportsTak

Right ahead of the Women's World Cup 2022, New Zealand have shocked the eight-time title-holders Australia by overhauling a colossal target of 322 in a warm up match on Tuesday (February 1). Sophie Devine smashed a stunning 161 not out off 117 balls to make the light work of Australia's huge target. Amelia Kerr too joined Sophie in the winning cause with an unbeaten 92 off 63 balls. 


The tournament favourites Australia looked in complete disarray as the White Ferns reached the target with almost seven overs left. 


Despite Hannah Rowe’s 4/49 superb bowling, Australia went on to post a humungous total of 321, riding on captain Meg Lanning's 86-ball 87. However, opener Alyssa Healy also played an impressive knock of 64 off 71 which was well complemented by Beth Mooney's 55 off 51 and Ashleigh Gardner's fiery 60 off 32. Australia put together an almost winning total but New Zealand had some other plan and were in their optimum element. 


Skipper Sophie launched a blitzkrieg on Australian bowlers and started belting them left right and centre. In her 117-ball knock she cracked 23 boundaries and four sixes. She found an able partner in Amelia who struck 13 boundaries in her 75-ball knock to cruise to the victory line without breaking a sweat. Opener Suzie Bates also smashed 63 off 68 which was loaded with eight boundaries. Australian bowlers who were taken to cleaners by the New Zealand batters, looked clueless throughout as they could only take one wicket which was bagged by Alana King.


In the other warm up match, Smriti Mandhana's 67-ball 66 and the bowlers' disciplined show powered them India to an 81-run win over West Indies.


Kept under observation after taking a blow to her head during the team's first practice match against South Africa on Sunday, the elegant Mandhana was in her element within two days from the injury, laying the foundation for India's challenging total of 258 all out in the allotted 50 overs.


In reply, West Indies were stopped at 177 for nine at Rangiora Oval. Pooja Vastrakar was the most successful Indian bowler, returning figures of 3/21 in seven overs, while there were two wickets apiece for Meghna Singh and Deepti, who ended the game with a fine all-round show.