IND-W vs NZ-W, 1st ODI Highlights: Deepti Sharma stars as hosts beat NZ by 59 runs

And with that, we wrap up the first ODI! The T20 champions have failed to chase in the ODI game. The India Women go 1-0 up in this 3-match ODI series. The second game between these two sides will be played on Sunday, the 27th of October. The first ball will be bowled at 8 am GMT but as you know, our build up begins much sooner so do join us for the same. Until then, take care, and cheers!

Deepti Sharma is the Player of the Match. She speaks in her local language. Says that she feels good to contribute with the bat as well as the ball. Adds that she had used this bat in the T20 World Cup as well. Mentions that they knew the score was low and they needed to bowl tight.

Smriti Mandhana, the victorious skipper of India Women says it is a good win. Mentions the last couple of weeks have been tough on them so it's nice to get the series lead. Says that they had a strategic huddle talk. Accepts that they were a bit under par after the first innings but also adds that if you don't believe in yourself, nothing will go your way. Adds Saima was terrific, especially with Suzie Bates' wicket. Appreciates her and says she's a special talent and that she has been with the side for a month now. States that whoever batted today, they asked them what is a good length. Goes on to appreciate Deepti Sharma and says she is a superstar and she knows what she is doing.  Ends up by saying that she is delighted to see the others too chipping in while bowling.

Sophie Devine, the skipper of New Zealand Women, says that they had done a good job of restricting the Indian side at 227 but they faltered in their batting. Adds that they should have chased that but they will look to leave this behind and bounce back. She says that they will give their best in the next game and try to win that one.

Saima Thakor is up for a chat. She says she has been patient to be included in the Indian side. Appreciates her teammates and says it is a great bunch to be around of. About the wicket, she reckons that it was a flat one and a batter's paradise. Says they bowled wonderfully and in unison by executing the plans well. Adds that she was visualizing Suzie Bates' wicket a day before and is delighted to take her wicket. Also mentions that Jemimah Rodrigues has spoken to her a lot before the match, and also she has seen her through the journey. States that she couldn't have asked for more and someone better like Rodrigues to present her the debut cap. 

The Presentation Ceremony...

Earlier in the match, India struggled with the bat, getting all out for 227. The Kerr sisters dominated with the ball, taking seven wickets between them, while Eden Carson contributed two wickets and Suzie Bates added one. India had a shaky start but Shafali Verma and Yastika Bhatia tried to build momentum. The debutant Tejal Hasabnis and Jemimah Rodrigues partnered for 61 runs, but the innings fell apart after their dismissal. Deepti Sharma played well but lacked support from the lower order. The Kiwi spinners effectively restricted runs and took regular wickets to restrict India to a par total.

The New Zealand Women's team struggled for momentum in their innings, with Plimmer and Lauren Down providing a solid but brief foundation before both were dismissed. Brooke Halliday and Maddy Green then stabilized the innings, creating a vital partnership. However, once this partnership ended, wickets began to fall rapidly. Melie Kerr attempted to rally in the latter stages but received little support, leading to the team being bowled out for 166 runs and resulting in a 59-run defeat. 

India Women were excellent with the ball! It was the debutant, Saima Thakor who opened the floodgates for the India Women's side. They all made sure the run rate was in check. While the partnership of Brooke Halliday and Maddy Green proved to be a slight hiccup for them, once the partnership was broken, the momentum completely shifted towards their side. Radha Yadav picked up three wickets and Saima Thakor picked up two. Both were exceptional, while Deepti Sharma and Arundhati Reddy chipped in with one each.

THE REIGNING T20 WORLD CHAMPIONS ARE ROCKED BY THE INDIAN WOMEN SIDE! What a display of bowling this was from the Women in Blue. They had a below-par score to defend and boy, they have done a fantastic job here at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad!

40.4: Radha Yadav to Eden Carson, OUT! RUN OUT! That is it! India Women win by 59 runs and take the lead in the series by 1-0. Radha Yadav bowls a high full toss outside off, Carson arches a bit and slashes it in the cover-point region. Melie Kerr wants a single and asks Carson to run but the latter gets a bit late to respond to it and eventually obeys her partner. Scoots to the other end in a hurry. Dayalan Hemalatha, at covers, is quick to pick and throws it sharply towards the bowler's end. Yadav fails to collect it, but the ball directly lobs on the stumps with Carson way out of her crease.

Is that a run out? The TV umpire is summoned in to do the honors. Radha Yadav fails to collect the ball as it pops out of her palms, but to her luck, it breaks into the stumps with the batter way out of the frame. OUT! INDIA WIN!

Eden Carson is the last batter in for New Zealand Women.

40.3: Radha Yadav to Molly Penfold, OUT! BOWLED'EM! Radha Yadav comes and strikes again. She gets her third wicket and India Women can now smell a win. Radha Yadav bowls it from around the stumps and provides a lot of revolutions on this one. At just 69 kph, she tosses it up and lands it fuller around the middle and leg channel. Molly Penfold is lured in the flight and is drawn forward to work it across to the leg side but is months early into her shot. Plays all over the wrong line and the ball beats the outside edge before clattering the sticks.

40.2: Radha Yadav to Molly Penfold, Flat and full, around off, stabbed to the point region.

40.1: Radha Yadav to Molly Penfold, Radha Yadav is into the attack now. Drops a slower one, on the middle and leg, Molly Penfold brings her bat early and lobs it in front of the cover.

39.6: Arundhati Reddy to Molly Penfold, Fuller one, on off, Molly Penfold eases it to mid on for one.

Molly Penfold walks in.

39.5: Arundhati Reddy to Izzy Gaze, OUT! TAKEN! Izzy Gaze departs! On a length and outside off, Izzy Gaze reaches out to it and looks to loft it but doesn't connect well. The ball airs towards long on. Saima Thakor runs forward, juggles, and completes the catch in her second attempt. 

39.4: Arundhati Reddy to Izzy Gaze, Length, on off, Izzy Gaze blocks it to the fielder at short third.

39.3: Arundhati Reddy to Melie Kerr, Slower one, outside off, Melie Kerr cuts it to point for one.

39.2: Arundhati Reddy to Melie Kerr, FOUR! Well played! Bowls it on off, Melie Kerr picks it well and drills it hard past the bowler for a boundary. The long on fielder tries to run across and cut it off but she can't get there in time.

39.1: Arundhati Reddy to Melie Kerr, Fuller one, on off, Melie Kerr knocks it to mid off for none.

38.6: Deepti Sharma to Melie Kerr, Bowls it on off, Melie Kerr flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for one. Good work by Jemimah Rodrigues in the deep.

38.5: Deepti Sharma to Izzy Gaze, A low full toss, Izzy Gaze moves forward and knocks it down the ground for one.

38.4: Deepti Sharma to Melie Kerr, Bowls it on off, Melie Kerr flicks it through mid on for one.

38.3: Deepti Sharma to Izzy Gaze, Fuller one, on off, Izzy Gaze sweeps it through square leg for one.

38.2: Deepti Sharma to Melie Kerr, Short, on off, Melie Kerr punches it through the right of the bowler for one.

38.1: Deepti Sharma to Melie Kerr, FOUR! They will look to gear up now and a lot depends on Melie Kerr for the Kiwis! Slower one, on a good length, on leg, Melie Kerr uses the depth of the crease, she rocks back and pulls it hard through mid-wicket for a boundary. Arundhati Reddy from long on sprints to her right to cut it off but the ball has enough wheels on it to breach into the fence.

37.6: Renuka Singh Thakur to Izzy Gaze, Slower one, on off, Izzy Gaze guides it to the fielder at short third.

37.5: Renuka Singh Thakur to Melie Kerr, Length, outside off, Melie Kerr slaps it down the ground for one.

37.4: Renuka Singh Thakur to Melie Kerr, Bowls it on off, Melie Kerr looks to cut it but gets beaten.

37.3: Renuka Singh Thakur to Izzy Gaze, Bowls it on leg, Izzy Gaze paddles it fine for one.

Slight halt! There is some issue with the landing area. The groundsmen are out in the middle to do the repair work. The hammer is out to level the foot landing area. It seems fine now and we are good to go...

37.2: Renuka Singh Thakur to Izzy Gaze, Slower one, on leg, Izzy Gaze tucks it to the fielder at short mid-wicket.

37.1: Renuka Singh Thakur to Melie Kerr, On a length and on leg, Melie Kerr knocks it to mid on for one.

36.6: Deepti Sharma to Melie Kerr, Lands it on off, Melie Kerr taps it to covers for one.

36.5: Deepti Sharma to Izzy Gaze, Slower one, on middle, Izzy Gaze flicks it to square leg for one.

36.4: Deepti Sharma to Izzy Gaze, Tossed up, on off, Izzy Gaze blocks it to the left of the bowler.

36.3: Deepti Sharma to Izzy Gaze, Lands it on off, Izzy Gaze drives it to the fielder at mid off.

36.2: Deepti Sharma to Izzy Gaze, Slower through the air, on off, Izzy Gaze blocks it back.

36.1: Deepti Sharma to Melie Kerr, Short, on middle, Melie Kerr drills it to long on for one.

35.6: Renuka Singh Thakur to Izzy Gaze, Too full, on middle, Izzy Gaze digs it back to the bowler.

35.5: Renuka Singh Thakur to Izzy Gaze, Bowls it on off, Izzy Gaze eases it to mid off.

35.4: Renuka Singh Thakur to Melie Kerr, Length, on middle, Melie Kerr turns it through square leg for one.

35.3: Renuka Singh Thakur to Izzy Gaze, Fuller one, outside off, Izzy Gaze slaps it through point for one.

35.2: Renuka Singh Thakur to Izzy Gaze, Slower one, on off, Izzy Gaze blocks it to mid off.

35.1: Renuka Singh Thakur to Melie Kerr, Lands it on off, Melie Kerr flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

34.6: Radha Yadav to Izzy Gaze, Some turn and bounce, outside off, Izzy Gaze looks to block it but misses.

34.5: Radha Yadav to Izzy Gaze, Slower one, on off, Izzy Gaze blocks it to covers.

34.4: Radha Yadav to Melie Kerr, Short, on off, Melie Kerr punches it to mid off for one more.

34.3: Radha Yadav to Izzy Gaze, Lands it on middle, Izzy Gaze paddles it fine for one.

34.2: Radha Yadav to Melie Kerr, Bowls it on off, Melie Kerr taps it to covers for one.

34.1: Radha Yadav to Melie Kerr, Tossed up, on off, Melie Kerr drives it to covers. Dot.

33.6: Renuka Singh Thakur to Izzy Gaze, Fuller one, on off, Izzy Gaze taps it to the fielder at extra covers.

33.5: Renuka Singh Thakur to Melie Kerr, On a length and on middle, Melie Kerr knocks it to mid on for one.

33.5: Renuka Singh Thakur to Melie Kerr, Wide! Down the leg side, Melie Kerr leaves it alone.

33.4: Renuka Singh Thakur to Izzy Gaze, Slower one, on middle, Izzy Gaze tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

33.3: Renuka Singh Thakur to Izzy Gaze, Length, on off, Izzy Gaze drives it to the cover fielder.

33.2: Renuka Singh Thakur to Melie Kerr, Oh, that was an opportunity! A difficult one though. Length and on off, Melie Kerr slaps it back. Thakur couldn't get low in time as the ball sneaks beneath her legs. The batters collect a single.

33.1: Renuka Singh Thakur to Melie Kerr, On a length and on off, Melie Kerr punches it through covers for a brace.

32.6: Radha Yadav to Izzy Gaze, Fuller one, on middle, Izzy Gaze gets low and sweeps it fine for a brace.

32.5: Radha Yadav to Izzy Gaze, Bowls it on leg, Izzy Gaze flicks it to short mid-wicket.

32.4: Radha Yadav to Izzy Gaze, Quicker one, on middle, with a hint of turn, Izzy Gaze fends it to point.

32.3: Radha Yadav to Izzy Gaze, Slower through the air, this is defended towards mid on.

32.2: Radha Yadav to Izzy Gaze, Tossed up, on leg, Izzy Gaze blocks it back.

32.1: Radha Yadav to Melie Kerr, Slower one, on off, Melie Kerr taps it to extra covers for one.

31.6: Saima Thakor to Izzy Gaze, Excellent over from Saima Thakor! Full, outside off, Izzy Gaze eases it to the cover fielder.

31.6: Saima Thakor to Izzy Gaze, Wide! Sways it down leg, Izzy Gaze looks to flick it but misses.

31.5: Saima Thakor to Izzy Gaze, Make it five dots! Slower one, outside off, Izzy Gaze defends it to the fielder at short third.

31.4: Saima Thakor to Izzy Gaze, Four dots in a row now! Lands it outside off, Izzy Gaze slaps it to the point fielder.

31.3: Saima Thakor to Izzy Gaze, Full again, outside off, Izzy Gaze blocks it to point.

31.2: Saima Thakor to Izzy Gaze, Fuller one, on middle, Izzy Gaze blocks it back.

31.1: Saima Thakor to Izzy Gaze, On a length and on off, Izzy Gaze eases it to the right of the keeper.

30.6: Radha Yadav to Melie Kerr, Fuller one, on off, Melie Kerr eases it to the fielder at extra covers.

30.5: Radha Yadav to Melie Kerr, Some turn and bounce, outside off, Melie Kerr looks to drive it but misses. Yastika Bhatia behind the stumps makes a stumping attempt. The umpire goes upstairs to have a check and replays show that Melie Kerr was well inside her crease. NOT OUT!

Drinks! What a display of bowling this has been from the India Women side. They are now just three wickets away from the victory here. New Zealand Women will have to come up with something special here if they need to pull this game off from here. Let's see how it ends. Melie Kerr is in at number 9 for New Zealand Women.

30.4: Radha Yadav to Jess Kerr, OUT! CAUGHT! Another one departs and New Zealand Women go seven down in a jiffy! Fuller one, outside off, Jess Kerr moves forward to loft it but gets an outside edge. The ball lobs towards backward point. Saima Thakor runs to her left and completes the catch. Radha Yadav gets her second wicket and so far, it has been a complete bowling performance by the Indians. New Zealand Women in deep, deep trouble.

30.3: Radha Yadav to Jess Kerr, Full, outside off, Jess Kerr eases it to backward point.

30.2: Radha Yadav to Jess Kerr, Slower one, outside off, Jess Kerr flicks it but gets a top edge. The fielder runs behind and makes a dive but the ball lands further. Two runs taken.

30.1: Radha Yadav to Jess Kerr, Tossed up, on off, Jess Kerr blocks it back.

29.6: Saima Thakor to Izzy Gaze, Back of a length and on off, Gaze stands tall and pats it out towards mid on.

29.5: Saima Thakor to Jess Kerr, Length ball around off, Jess Kerr carves through point for one.

Who walks next to bat? Still no signs of Melie Kerr. Her sister, Jess Kerr is in at number 8.

29.4: Saima Thakor to Izzy Gaze, OUT! RUN OUT! One brings two and New Zealand Women have now lost both their set batters in the span of just three deliveries. A good presence of mind by the Indian skipper Smriti Mandhana. India Women right in the driving seat at the moment! Saima Thakor bowls it too full on the off-stump line, Gaze prods ahead and shovels it out back to the bowler. Saima falls over on the follow-through, but parries the ball off her fingertips to mid off. Yastika Bhatia shouts loudly to throw at her end as Maddy Green hesitates for a bit to complete the run. Smriti Mandhana at mid off is quick to pick and throw at the striker's end and scores a direct hit. The side-on replay confirms that Green was just short of her crease when the stumps were broken. New Zealand Women have now slipped from 129/4 to 132/6 and they are still in need of 97 runs in 122 deliveries.

Is she run out? A direct hit at the batter's end and it has been sent upstairs. The side-on replay shows that the batter is just short of her crease. OUT!

29.3: Saima Thakor to Izzy Gaze, Fuller one, on off, Izzy Gaze blocks it to mid on.

29.2: Saima Thakor to Izzy Gaze, Good length ball on off, Gaze plays it out back to the bowler.

Who's next? Still no Melie Kerr. Izzy Gaze is in at number 7.

29.1: Saima Thakor to Brooke Halliday, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! A massive, massive wicket for India Women and Saima Thakor continues to impress on her debut as she breaks the 50-run stand between Brooke Halliday and Maddy Green. She bowls it on a good length and keeps the line of attack on the middle and off-stump line. It holds a bit on the surface and Halliday gets early on the shot. Ends up chipping it straight back to the bowler, and Thakor makes no mistake by taking a regulation catch. New Zealand Women need 99 runs in 124 balls.

28.6: Deepti Sharma to Maddy Green, An appeal by the keeper but the umpire is unmoved. Smriti Mandhana too, decides not to go against the decision. Tossed up on the off stump line, Green tries to flick it across but misses as gets rapped on her front pad. Mandhana signals that it was a bit high on the bounce.

28.5: Deepti Sharma to Maddy Green, Slower through the air, spinning in from off, nudged to mid-wicket.

28.4: Deepti Sharma to Brooke Halliday, Much fuller again, around off, worked away through cover for a single. 50-run stand comes up between the two.

28.3: Deepti Sharma to Brooke Halliday, FOUR! Crunched through the covers! Slightly overpitched by Deepti, on off, Brooke Halliday pats her front foot ahead and creates some room, drives it through the mid off and cover gap for a boundary.

28.2: Deepti Sharma to Brooke Halliday, Full and on off, Halliday gets behind it and fends it on the deck.

28.1: Deepti Sharma to Brooke Halliday, Deepti Sharma comes back into the attack, replacing Shafali Verma. Drops it slow and short, outside off, Brooke Halliday pulls it off the back foot but straight to mid-wicket.

27.6: Saima Thakor to Maddy Green, An excellent over by the debutant. Just a single from it. Change of pace, slow and outside off, Maddy Green squats and cuts it straight to point.

27.5: Saima Thakor to Brooke Halliday, Pitched up, outside off, worked through the cover-point region for a single.

27.4: Saima Thakor to Brooke Halliday, Make that four dots in a row now! Gentle-pace delivery, full and on the stumps, Brooke Halliday clears her front leg and pushes it firmly to mid off.

27.3: Saima Thakor to Brooke Halliday, Three dots on the trot for Saima! Across off, full in length, slashed away straight to cover by Brooke.

27.2: Saima Thakor to Brooke Halliday, Saima bowls full and on middle, Brooke Halliday drives across to short mid-wicket.

27.1: Saima Thakor to Brooke Halliday, Pitched fuller on the stumps, Brooke Halliday presents a solid front foot block.

26.6: Shafali Verma to Maddy Green, Tossed up, full and outside off, Maddy Green strides across and drives it straight to mid off to end the over. Not an ideal start by Shafali Verma as she concedes 10 from her first over. New Zealand Women now need 105 off 138 balls with six wickets in hand.

26.5: Shafali Verma to Brooke Halliday, Pushed through, full and on the stumps, Brooke Halliday steers it to widish long on for a single.

26.4: Shafali Verma to Brooke Halliday, Pitched up, full around off, Brooke Halliday drives it straight to Smriti Mandhana at cover.

26.3: Shafali Verma to Maddy Green, On the stumps, full in length, turned away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

26.2: Shafali Verma to Maddy Green, FOUR! Classic cover drive! Drops a genuine half-volley around off, Maddy Green gets a good stride ahead, meets the ball right under her eyes, middles it and drives it crisply through covers for a boundary. Two in two for Green!

26.1: Shafali Verma to Maddy Green, FOUR! Shafali Verma has been greeted with a cheeky boundary! She starts her spell by bowling a flatter one, quicker in pace, full and outside off, Maddy Green rocks back and cuts it pretty late through short third for a boundary. It races away like a tracer-bullet.

25.6: Saima Thakor to Brooke Halliday, A huge appeal for LBW but not given! Smriti Mandhana comes running to the keeper and after a brief chat, she signals the 'T' to challenge the on-field decision. Thakor bowls a fuller one, on the leg stump line, it skids and comes off quickly on the batter. Brooke Halliday is a bit late to transfer the weight on the back foot and plays all over the line of the ball, as she tries to flick it away. UltraEdge shows nothing and the Ball Tracking confirms that the ball has pitched outside leg. India Women burn a review. New Zealand Women need 115 runs in 144 balls at 4.79 rpo.

25.5: Saima Thakor to Maddy Green, Fuller length and on the middle and leg, Green works it to long on for one.

25.4: Saima Thakor to Maddy Green, An attempted yorker outside off, Green digs it away to Yadav at point.

25.3: Saima Thakor to Maddy Green, FOUR! A valiant effort in the field but in vain and it runs away to the fence! Saima Thakor bowls an overpitched delivery outside off, Maddy Green jams her bat down in time and shovels it in the air between the backward point and short third fielders. Radha Yadav at backward point leaps to her left but does not get her hand on the ball and it races away to the fence for a boundary. It was just too far away from the fielder but a good effort by Radha.

25.2: Saima Thakor to Maddy Green, Too full, around off, driven straight to cover on the front foot.

25.1: Saima Thakor to Brooke Halliday, On a length and just outside off, Brooke Halliday punches it through covers for one.

24.6: Dayalan Hemalatha to Maddy Green, Around the wickets now, too full and on the pads, Halliday paddles it down to deep fine for a brace as Shafali Verma slides and cuts the ball before the ropes. 

24.5: Dayalan Hemalatha to Maddy Green, Short of a good length, around off, punched back to the bowler.

24.4: Dayalan Hemalatha to Maddy Green, Short of a good length around off, punched through covers for a couple fo runs by Halliday.

24.3: Dayalan Hemalatha to Maddy Green, FOUR! Nicely done! Drags her length a bit does Hemalatha, outside off, Halliday gets a comfortable bounce and width, cuts it late through backward point for a boundary. 100 up for New Zealand Women.

24.2: Dayalan Hemalatha to Brooke Halliday, Tossed up outside off, Green drives it down to deep covers for one.

24.1: Dayalan Hemalatha to Brooke Halliday, Tossed up around off, Green goes to drive it but ends up edging it. The keeper spills it as the ball rolls to short third.

23.6: Arundhati Reddy to Maddy Green, Too full outside off, Halliday moves across and tries to scoop it but under edges.

Halt! Not quite sure about what but the umpires are having a chat with Arundhati Reddy and the skipper Smriti Mandhana. But, we are good to continue for now.

23.5: Arundhati Reddy to Maddy Green, Nice and full, around off, Maddy Green presents full face of the bat on the front foot and drives it straight to mid off. Uh, oh! Arundhati Reddy has overstepped and the umpire signals for a NO BALL. FREE HIT to follow. A discussion between the bowler and the umpire about switching sides. But, the umpire tells Arundhati Reddy that according to the rules, she cannot change sides on a Free Hit.

23.4: Arundhati Reddy to Maddy Green, Very full, outside off, Green bends low and digs it out to point.

23.3: Arundhati Reddy to Maddy Green, Hurls it on a nagging length, outside off, Maddy Green rocks back to pierce the gap but cuts it straight to point.

23.2: Arundhati Reddy to Brooke Halliday, Fractionally fuller and angling back in on middle, Brooke Halliday knocks it down to long on for a single.

23.1: Arundhati Reddy to Maddy Green, Length, on the middle, Maddy Green goes on the back foot and chips it over the bowler for a single.

22.6: Dayalan Hemalatha to Maddy Green, Outside off, Green cuts it through point for a single. A decent start for Dayalan Hemalatha. Just 3 runs from it.

22.5: Dayalan Hemalatha to Maddy Green, Hemalatha drops a loopy delivery that turns back into the batter from outside off, Maddy Green tries to create some room for the cut shot but ends up almost chopping it back into the stumps. The ball dribbles and passes close to the off-pole.

22.4: Dayalan Hemalatha to Brooke Halliday, Flat and full, on the fourth stump, Brooke Halliday strides across and drives it to deep cover for one.

22.3: Dayalan Hemalatha to Brooke Halliday, Pushed through, fuller and on the leg stump line, Brooke Halliday leans on the ball and pushes it back to the bowler.

22.2: Dayalan Hemalatha to Brooke Halliday, Flighted up, full and outside off, sliced away to cover-point by Brooke.

22.1: Dayalan Hemalatha to Brooke Halliday, Tossed up, on a good length around off, cut away straight to point.

Dayalan Hemalatha is brought into the attack now. She replaces Radha Yadav.

21.6: Arundhati Reddy to Brooke Halliday, Around the wickets now for the left-hander. Reddy hurls it on a nagging length, angling in on middle, Brooke Halliday flicks it off her wrists to deep mid-wicket for an easy single to end the over. Just 4 runs from this one.

21.5: Arundhati Reddy to Maddy Green, Angling on the pads, on a good length, nurdled away to the deep square leg region for an easy single by Green.

21.4: Arundhati Reddy to Maddy Green, Back to over the stumps for the right-hander. Reddy bowls a half-tracker on the stumps, Maddy Green flat-bats it straight to mid-wicket.

21.3: Arundhati Reddy to Brooke Halliday, Full and angling on middle and leg, Brooke Halliday flicks it to the right of mid on for a single.

21.2: Arundhati Reddy to Brooke Halliday, Around the stumps now, length, on off, Brooke Halliday hangs back and pats it to the off side.

21.1: Arundhati Reddy to Maddy Green, Reddy bowls a shorter one, on off, Maddy Green swats it to deep square leg for a single.

20.6: Radha Yadav to Maddy Green, Slower through the air, on the middle, Maddy Green rocks back and nudges it to deep square leg for a single to end the over. 8 off this over. New Zealand Women need 140 more runs to win from 29 remaining overs at 4.83 rpo.

20.5: Radha Yadav to Maddy Green, FOUR! Innovative and effective! Radha flights it up, full and on the pads, Maddy Green sits on her knee and paddles it to deep fine for a boundary. No chance for Dayalan Hemalatha to cut the ball off in the deep. Four handy runs for the Kiwis.

20.4: Radha Yadav to Maddy Green, Radha Yadav drops full and gets a bit of turn away, on middle and off, Maddy Green leans on and defends it well.

20.3: Radha Yadav to Brooke Halliday, Much fuller, on the leg stump line, Brooke Halliday clips it nicely along the ground to wide of short fine for a single.

20.2: Radha Yadav to Brooke Halliday, Slow, tossed up fuller on the stumps, Brooke Halliday works it straight to mid-wicket.

20.1: Radha Yadav to Brooke Halliday, Flat and short on off, Brooke Halliday rocks back and cuts it away to deep extra cover for a brace.

19.6: Arundhati Reddy to Maddy Green, Lands it on off, Maddy Green eases it to the left of the bowler.

19.5: Arundhati Reddy to Maddy Green, Fuller one, on middle, Maddy Green eases it back to the bowler. Good over so far from Arundhati Reddy!

19.4: Arundhati Reddy to Brooke Halliday, Slower one, on off, Brooke Halliday flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

19.3: Arundhati Reddy to Brooke Halliday, Three dots now! On a length and on off, Brooke Halliday eases it to short covers.

19.2: Arundhati Reddy to Brooke Halliday, Fuller one, on middle, Brooke Halliday blocks it back to the bowler.

19.1: Arundhati Reddy to Brooke Halliday, On a length and on off, Brooke Halliday eases it to mid on.

18.6: Radha Yadav to Maddy Green, Bowls it on off, Maddy Green blocks it solidly.

Maddy Green walks in.

18.5: Radha Yadav to Lauren Down, OUT! TAKEN! The slower ball does the trick! Slower one, on off, Lauren Down moves forward to loft it but the ball hits the upper part of her blade. It then carries towards wide of mid off. Tejal Hasabnis moves to her left and completes the catch. New Zealand Women under extreme pressure now as the top four have been blown away inside the 20 overs. A sedate inning by Lauren Down comes to an end. She departs on 26 (56) and the Kiwis are 79/4 after 18.5 overs. Need 149 more runs to win now in 31.1 overs. End of a successful over by Radha Yadav!

18.4: Radha Yadav to Lauren Down, Short, on off, Lauren Down punches it to the fielder at short covers.

18.3: Radha Yadav to Brooke Halliday, Slower one, on middle, Brooke Halliday tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

18.2: Radha Yadav to Brooke Halliday, FOUR! Excellent from Brooke Halliday! Bowls it outside off, Brooke Halliday gets low and plays a reverse sweep through short third for a boundary.

18.1: Radha Yadav to Lauren Down, Fuller one, on off, Lauren Down sweeps it to deep mid-wicket for one.

17.6: Deepti Sharma to Brooke Halliday, Fuller this time, Brooke Halliday eases it to the fielder at short covers.

17.5: Deepti Sharma to Lauren Down, Some turn and bounce, on off, Lauren Down guides it to backward point for one.

17.4: Deepti Sharma to Brooke Halliday, Too full, outside off, Brooke Halliday drives it through covers for one.

17.3: Deepti Sharma to Lauren Down, Slower one, on off, Lauren Down knocks it to mid on for one.

17.2: Deepti Sharma to Brooke Halliday, Tossed up, on off, Brooke Halliday slaps it to covers for one.

17.1: Deepti Sharma to Lauren Down, Short, on off, Lauren Down punches it to covers for one.

16.6: Radha Yadav to Brooke Halliday, Short and wide, Brooke Halliday looks to slap it but gets beaten.

16.5: Radha Yadav to Brooke Halliday, Fuller again, on off, Brooke Halliday knocks it to the mid off fielder.

16.4: Radha Yadav to Brooke Halliday, Fuller one, on off, Brooke Halliday drives it to the cover fielder.

16.3: Radha Yadav to Brooke Halliday, Short, on off, Brooke Halliday blocks it back.

16.2: Radha Yadav to Lauren Down, Just short! Full, on off, Lauren Down looks to flick it but gets a leading edge. It carries and falls short of the fielder at mid on. They cross.

16.1: Radha Yadav to Brooke Halliday, Slower one, outside off, Brooke Halliday punches it to covers for one.

Drinks! New Zealand has experienced a challenging start to their innings, having lost three wickets early. They currently stand at 66 for the loss of 3 wickets. As the innings progress, they will be aiming to establish a stable partnership between Lauren Down and Brooke Halliday to regain momentum. Meanwhile, India Women will be looking to capitalize on their early breakthroughs and continue applying pressure to New Zealand’s batting lineup. Lets see how it pans out...

15.6: Deepti Sharma to Lauren Down, Some turn and bounce, on middle, Lauren Down flicks it to the mid-wicket fielder.

15.5: Deepti Sharma to Lauren Down, Lands it on off, Lauren Down blocks it back again.

15.4: Deepti Sharma to Lauren Down, Tossed up, on off, Lauren Down taps it back to the bowler.

15.3: Deepti Sharma to Brooke Halliday, Bowls it on leg, Brooke Halliday slogs it through backward square leg for one.

15.2: Deepti Sharma to Brooke Halliday, Short, on middle, Brooke Halliday blocks it to the left of the bowler.

15.1: Deepti Sharma to Lauren Down, Lands it on middle, Lauren Down pushes it to mid on for one.

14.6: Radha Yadav to Lauren Down, Fuller one, on off, Lauren Down flicks it over mid-wicket for one.

14.5: Radha Yadav to Brooke Halliday, Bowls it on middle, Brooke Halliday sweeps it to square leg for one more.

14.4: Radha Yadav to Lauren Down, Slower one, on middle, Lauren Down knocks it to mid on for one.

14.3: Radha Yadav to Brooke Halliday, Lands it on middle, Brooke Halliday slogs it through square leg for one.

14.2: Radha Yadav to Brooke Halliday, FOUR! Well played! Short and on off, Brooke Halliday dances down the wicket and powers it over mid on for a boundary.

14.1: Radha Yadav to Brooke Halliday, Slower one, on middle, Brooke Halliday blocks it to square leg.

13.6: Deepti Sharma to Lauren Down, Fuller one, on middle, Lauren Down flicks it to the mid-wicket fielder.

13.5: Deepti Sharma to Lauren Down, Tossed up, on off, Lauren Down eases it to mid on.

13.4: Deepti Sharma to Brooke Halliday, Short, on off, Brooke Halliday punches it to covers for one.

13.3: Deepti Sharma to Brooke Halliday, FOUR! Nicely played! Slower one, on middle, Brooke Halliday hangs back and whips it through mid-wicket as the ball races away.

13.2: Deepti Sharma to Lauren Down, Fuller one, on middle, Lauren Down sweeps it through mid-wicket for one.

13.1: Deepti Sharma to Brooke Halliday, Short, on off, Brooke Halliday punches it to covers for one.

12.6: Radha Yadav to Lauren Down, Lands it outside off, Lauren Down looks to slap it but edges it to the the keeper who fails to complete the catch.

12.5: Radha Yadav to Brooke Halliday, Bowls it down leg, Brooke Halliday tickles it fine for one.

12.4: Radha Yadav to Brooke Halliday, Lands it on middle, Brooke Halliday looks to drive it but miscues it to the mid-wicket fielder.

12.3: Radha Yadav to Brooke Halliday, Short, on off, Brooke Halliday punches it to the cover fielder.

12.3: Radha Yadav to Brooke Halliday, Wide! Down the leg side, Brooke Halliday leaves it alone.

12.2: Radha Yadav to Brooke Halliday, Short, on leg, Brooke Halliday looks to play at it but gets a blow on her pads. An appeal but turned down.

12.1: Radha Yadav to Lauren Down, Lands it on off, Lauren Down taps it to covers for one.

11.6: Deepti Sharma to Sophie Devine, OUT! RUN OUT! Deepti Sharma does sharp work in the field and an equally fantastic effort by Yastika Bhatia behind the sticks. This is a slower one, outside off, Sophie Devine blocks it to short covers. Sophie Devine stands between the stumps as the throw comes back to the keeper. Oh, what has happened there? Deepti Sharma swiftly moves to her left, picks up the ball and flatly underarms the throw towards Yastika Bhatia. Bhatia realises that Devine might be out of the popping crease and whips the bails off in a flash. Devine though, is a bit casual in dragging her back foot behind the line and the umpire sends it upstairs to have a check. The replays show that Sophie Devine's foot was just short of the crease and the big screen displays OUT! That's a gift to the India Women but a big setback for the Kiwis here as Devine departs. They have now slipped from 40/1 to 46/3! Brooke Halliday is the next batter.

11.5: Deepti Sharma to Lauren Down, Slower through the air, on middle, Lauren Down flicks it through mid-wicket for one.

11.4: Deepti Sharma to Lauren Down, Make it four dots! Similar to the last delivery, this is again played towards mid-wicket.

11.3: Deepti Sharma to Lauren Down, Three dots now! Full, on middle, Lauren Down flicks it to mid-wicket.

11.2: Deepti Sharma to Lauren Down, Short, on middle, Lauren Down tucks it to the mid on fielder.

11.1: Deepti Sharma to Lauren Down, Full, on middle, Lauren Down flicks it to the mid-wicket fielder.

10.6: Arundhati Reddy to Sophie Devine, Slower one, on middle, Sophie Devine blocks it to the mid on fielder.

10.5: Arundhati Reddy to Lauren Down, Lands it on off, Lauren Down cuts it to point for one again.

10.4: Arundhati Reddy to Sophie Devine, Another single as Sophie Devine drives it through the cover region.

10.3: Arundhati Reddy to Lauren Down, Slower one, wide of off, Lauren Down slaps it to point for one.

10.2: Arundhati Reddy to Sophie Devine, Bowls it on off, Sophie Devine punches it to covers for one. She gets off the mark.

10.1: Arundhati Reddy to Lauren Down, On a length, sliding down leg, Lauren Down flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

The variable bounce is troubling the batters at the moment. New Zealand Women are going along at a sedate pace and need a strong partnership here. This stand between Lauren Down and Devine will be very pivotal for the Kiwis moving forward into the inning.

9.6: Deepti Sharma to Sophie Devine, Full and tossed up outside off. Devine defends it back to the bowler. End of the first Powerplay and New Zealand Women are 40/2, versus India's 69/2 at this very stage.

Sophie Devine is in at number 4.

9.5: Deepti Sharma to Georgia Plimmer, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Deepti Sharma clings on this one and dismisses the in-form Georgia Plimmer on 25! Sharma varies her length this time, and drops it on a good length, spinning on the middle and leg stump with an extra bit of bounce. Georgia Plimmer is cramped up for room as the ball turns a bit more off the deck and gets heavy on her. She goes through the shot and just chips it straight back to Deepti Sharma who takes an alert catch.

9.4: Deepti Sharma to Georgia Plimmer, Tossed up nicely, full and on off, Georgia Plimmer shovels it off the toe end, towards the bowler. It dips ahead of Deepti and lands just ahead of her.

9.3: Deepti Sharma to Lauren Down, Sharma tosses it up, full and on middle, Down skips ahead and flicks it past mid-wicket for a single.

9.2: Deepti Sharma to Lauren Down, Full, outside off, Lauren Down eases it to the point fielder. 

9.1: Deepti Sharma to Georgia Plimmer, Deepti continues and lands it fuller, tosses it up, on off, Georgia Plimmer drills it down the ground but it is intercepted by Deepti on her follow-through. It deflects off her fingertips to mid on and they take a single.

8.6: Arundhati Reddy to Lauren Down, Half-tracker outside off, Lauren Down squats at it and cuts it nicely but finds the fielder at backward point.

8.5: Arundhati Reddy to Lauren Down, Not that short, just outside off, cut away straight to cover.

8.4: Arundhati Reddy to Lauren Down, Tails back into the batter, on a good length on middle, Lauren Down knocks it down the ground to the left of mid on.

8.3: Arundhati Reddy to Lauren Down, Outside off, full in length, punched away to cover by Lauren.

8.2: Arundhati Reddy to Lauren Down, Reddy stays over the stumps, bowls a leg-cutter on the fullish length, shaping onto the pads, Lauren Down flicks it to mid-wicket who misfields and the ball rolls to the deep. Two taken.

8.1: Arundhati Reddy to Lauren Down, Arundhati Reddy is introduced into the attack now, she replaces Renuka Singh Thakur. Hits the deck hard, outside off, this is sliced away to cover-point by Lauren Down.

7.6: Deepti Sharma to Georgia Plimmer, Just around off, on a good length, Georgia Plimmer goes back and across and knocks it straight to mid off.

7.5: Deepti Sharma to Georgia Plimmer, Slower through the air, on the fuller length, around off, Georgia Plimmer leans ahead and punches it back to the bowler.

7.4: Deepti Sharma to Georgia Plimmer, A slip in place now. Full and spinning in, Plimmer goes back and punches it to cover.

7.3: Deepti Sharma to Lauren Down, Pushed through, on a good length, around off, Lauren Down hangs back and punches it down to the right of long on for a single.

7.2: Deepti Sharma to Lauren Down, Slightly slower through the air, on a fullish length, on middle, pushed away to mid on by Down.

7.1: Deepti Sharma to Lauren Down, Length ball, outside off, cut away to point by Down.

6.6: Renuka Singh Thakur to Georgia Plimmer, Length-delivery outside off. Plimmer drives it to short cover.

Deepti Sharma is into the attack now, replacing Saima Thakor.

6.6: Renuka Singh Thakur to Georgia Plimmer, WIDE! She will have to reload that one again! Sprayed down leg, on a length, Plimmer misses to flick it away and Yastika Bhatia collects it cleanly behind the wickets. Sees Plimmer's back leg outside the popping crease, Bhatia tries to dislodge the bails but fails to do so and Plimmer drags her back foot in the crease. Wide called.

6.5: Renuka Singh Thakur to Lauren Down, Full and pushed through on middle, driven straight to mid on for a single.

6.4: Renuka Singh Thakur to Lauren Down, Keeps the line of attack outside off, on a fullish length, sliced away to the cover region by Lauren Down. The fielder dives to her left and intercepts the ball nicely to prevent any single.

6.3: Renuka Singh Thakur to Lauren Down, Much fuller on off, Lauren Down gets ahead with a good stride across and drives it straight to cover.

6.2: Renuka Singh Thakur to Georgia Plimmer, Bowls from wide of the crease, does Renuka, short and angling on the middle, Georgia Plimmer pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

6.1: Renuka Singh Thakur to Lauren Down, On middle and leg, shaping in, full in length, Down flicks it along the ground to mid-wicket for a single.

5.6: Saima Thakor to Georgia Plimmer, FOUR! Identical line and length, and identical result! An expensive over by the debutant! Saima misfires on the pads again, on a fuller length, Georgia Plimmer brings her wrists into play again and skilfully flicks it through the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

5.5: Saima Thakor to Georgia Plimmer, FOUR! A confident shot by Plimmer! Saima again drifts it onto the pads, a genuine half-volley on offer, Georgia Plimmer tilts ahead and flicks it off with her wrists and gets a boundary at deep mid-wicket.

5.4: Saima Thakor to Georgia Plimmer, Half-tracker on the middle, Georgia Plimmer hangs back and punches it to mid on.

5.3: Saima Thakor to Georgia Plimmer, Length, on the stumps, Plimmer knocks it to mid on.

5.2: Saima Thakor to Georgia Plimmer, FOUR! Plimmer isn't going to stay quiet for long! Poor delivery and gets the treatment! Curving back into the pads, on a fuller length, Georgia Plimmer finds the middle of the bat and flicks it through the vacant deep square leg region for a boundary.

5.1: Saima Thakor to Georgia Plimmer, On pads, on a length, nurdled away to the square leg region by Plimmer.

4.6: Renuka Singh Thakur to Lauren Down, Much improved over by Renuka! Concedes just a single off it. Fuller-length delivery around off, Lauren Down pushes it straight to cover to end the over.

4.5: Renuka Singh Thakur to Lauren Down, A leg-cuttter on a good length, on middle, worked away to the mid-wicket region by Down.

4.4: Renuka Singh Thakur to Lauren Down, This one tails back into the batter, from off, on a good length, Lauren Down hits it off the back foot from the inner half of the bat.

4.3: Renuka Singh Thakur to Lauren Down, Angling into the pads, on the good length, Lauren Down is beaten all ends up as she tries to flick it away to the leg side and wears on the front pad.

4.2: Renuka Singh Thakur to Georgia Plimmer, Well outside off, on a good length, Georgia Plimmer slashes hard at it to cover-point and milks a single.

4.1: Renuka Singh Thakur to Georgia Plimmer, Thakur continues and hits the deck hard, around off, Plimmer hangs back and punches it on the back foot to cover.

3.6: Saima Thakor to Lauren Down, On off, length, punched solidly to the off side to end the fourth over. New Zealand Women need 210 runs in 276 balls.

3.5: Saima Thakor to Lauren Down, Goes fuller now, around off, driven straight to cover by Lauren.

3.4: Saima Thakor to Lauren Down, FOUR! Pulled away into the gap! Saima Thakor drops it short at a very gentle pace, on off, Lauren Down has all the time to get into the position, transfers the weight on the back foot, gets a comfortable bounce, and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

3.3: Saima Thakor to Lauren Down, Aims the poles, does Saima, on a fuller length, tailing in a touch, Lauren Down flicks it solidly to the leg side.

3.2: Saima Thakor to Lauren Down, Just a tinge outside off on a fractionally good length, Lauren Down hangs back and firmly punches it to cover.

3.1: Saima Thakor to Lauren Down, On the stumps, on a length, Lauren Down leans on and presents a solid front foot defence.

2.6: Renuka Singh Thakur to Georgia Plimmer, Length and on the stumps. Plimmer stands tall and taps it back to the bowler.

2.5: Renuka Singh Thakur to Georgia Plimmer, FOUR! Struck well through the off side! Length-delivery, just outside off, Georgia Plimmer nicely transfers her weight on the back foot and punches it through covers. Jemimah Rodrigues gives it a long chase from the inner ring to the boundary, gives her everything with the dive, but the ball wins the race eventually. Plimmer didn't try to hit it too hard, just the timing on the shot was exquisite.

2.5: Renuka Singh Thakur to Georgia Plimmer, WIDE! Down leg on a good length, Plimmer misses to nudge it away and the keeper, Yastika Bhatia dives low to her left and collects it nicely. Wide called.

2.4: Renuka Singh Thakur to Georgia Plimmer, Attacks the stumps, does Renuka on a length, Georgia Plimmer gets behind the line of the ball and solidly punches it to the off side.

2.3: Renuka Singh Thakur to Lauren Down, Good length outside off. Lauren Down looks to flick it to mid-wicket but gets an inside edge that rolls down to deep fine for a single.

2.2: Renuka Singh Thakur to Lauren Down, Length and outside off, nipping back in a shade into the off stump. Down punches it to short cover off the back foot.

2.1: Renuka Singh Thakur to Lauren Down, An appeal for LBW, but not given. Renuka Singh Thakur bowls it on the line of the stumps, on a fuller length, and curving to the leg stump line, Lauren Down plays completely down the wrong line and goes for a front foot push and wears on the front pad. Possibly going down leg. India do not opt for a review here.

1.6: Saima Thakor to Georgia Plimmer, Keeps the line of attack on the stumps, does Thakor, on a good length, Georgia Plimmer prods ahead and eases it to the leg side just near the strip.

1.5: Saima Thakor to Lauren Down, Lauren Down gets off the mark. A well-directed short ball outside off. Down goes for the pull but gets the top edge and it falls in the vacant short fine region for a single.

1.4: Saima Thakor to Lauren Down, Full and outside off, shaping away from the right-hander. Down goes on the front foot and drives it to short cover.

Lauren Down is in at number 3.

1.3: Saima Thakor to Suzie Bates, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! CAUGHT BEHIND! A dream debut for Saima Thakor as she picks the pricy wicket of the experienced Suzie Bates in the third ball. Saima Thakor stays over the stumps and hits the good length, it nips away a tinge from the off stump. Suzie Bates tries to push it to the off side and hangs her bat away from her body but plays inside the line and gets a faint outside edge to the safe hands of Yastika Bhatia who takes a regulation grab behind the wickets. An appeal for caught behind and up goes the finger. Saima Thakor is all pumped up and so are the Indians, and why not!

1.2: Saima Thakor to Suzie Bates, More fuller on the stumps, pushed by Bates to mid on.

1.1: Saima Thakor to Suzie Bates, On the money, is Thakor. Length ball, around off, cut away straight to point.

Saima Thakor, the debutant to share the attack.

0.6: Renuka Singh Thakur to Georgia Plimmer, Fuller length outside off, angling back into the off stump. Plimmer stands tall and drives it back to the bowler. Renuka tries to collect the ball by bending to her right on her follow-through. Does stick her right hand out in the way and ricochets it back onto the stumps at the bowler's end. It deflects to mid on where the fielder collects it and prevents any run. An eventful first over. 

0.5: Renuka Singh Thakur to Georgia Plimmer, Excellent piece of fielding in the deep. Renuka, still trying to find the perfect angle, sprays it onto the pads, Georgia Plimmer again helps it away with a flick to deep fine. Saima Thakor from deep backward square leg cuts the ball off with a good dive and keeps it to two.

0.4: Renuka Singh Thakur to Georgia Plimmer, FOUR! Poor and gets punished! Renuka sprays it down the pads on a length, Georgia Plimmer helps it away with a tickle off the pads to deep fine for a boundary.

0.3: Renuka Singh Thakur to Georgia Plimmer, Length and outside off, nips back in a touch. Plimmer hits it back to the bowler. Renuka flicks it back to the stumps at the non-striker's end by Bates is well inside the crease.

0.2: Renuka Singh Thakur to Georgia Plimmer, Tails back into the batter on a good length, Georgia Plimmer tilts ahead and flicks it straight to mid-wicket.

0.1: Renuka Singh Thakur to Suzie Bates, Thakur starts a bit wayward and New Zealand Women are up and running! Angles it on the pads, does Renuka, on a length, Suzie Bates hangs back and tucks it to widish mid-wicket for a quick single to get off the mark.

We are back with New Zealand Women's reply! They need 228 runs to win this series opener. Out walk the two openers - Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer. The Indian players have taken their fielding positions as well. It will be Renuka Singh Thakur to begin the proceedings with the ball for the Women in Blue with a slip in place. A bit of delay as the umpires are waiting for the countdown to complete. And, here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Well then, after a bowling dominance, New Zealand Women will expect the same to be replicated by the batters. They do hold an upper hand in the game as we speak. And India Women will have to bring their A-game to the table with the ball to prevent the Kiwis from chasing down this total. The ball has spun and bounced, and India too, has a streak of tweakers who could prove to be effective. But, it all depends on the application and conviction. Stay tuned, as an exciting run-chase is up next in a few minutes.

Eden Carson is in for a chat. She says that India were off to a good start and Shafali looked good. Mentions that there's a bit of hold on the surface but it is still a good batting track. Adds that the weather is hot here but not as hot as it was in Dubai. Ends by saying that is it difficult to shift from T20 mode to ODI mode but they are up for this challenge.

While Deepti Sharma fought a lone battle with a responsible 41, she eventually succumbed to the mounting pressure. The Kerr sisters proved to be most effective - Melie Kerr finished with an excellent four-wicket haul while Jess complemented it with three scalps of her own. Eden Carson equally contributed with her part of two wickets. As a result, India couldn't bat through the 50 overs. Also, none of the Indian batters could cross even the 50-run mark, with three getting out in their 30s. It was the debutant Tejal Hasabnis who impressed everyone with her calm temperament, being the highest scorer, notching 42.

The middle overs saw India attempting to rebuild, but New Zealand's spin duo of Melie Kerr and Eden Carson cleverly varied their pace and length to maintain pressure. While India managed a decent scoring rate, adding 146 runs in the second Powerplay, they also lost four crucial wickets in the process, never quite breaking free. In the final phase, Melie Kerr turned the screws further, showcasing her mastery over flight and bounce to dismantle India's lower order. 

In the face of mounting pressure, Jemimah Rodrigues found an able ally in debutant Tejal Hasabnis. Together, they crafted a fighting 61-run partnership from a precarious 91/4, showcasing both Hasabnis's promising debut temperament and Jemimah's class. However, the familiar pattern of Indian batters getting starts but failing to convert them into substantial scores ultimately played into New Zealand's tactical strengths.

New Zealand's bowling execution reflected thorough preparation. Pacers Molly Penfold and Jess Kerr tried to maintain the pressure with accurate lines, and while they occasionally strayed, offering a few boundary balls, the regular fall of wickets covered these lapses. Eden Carson's early introduction proved tactical brilliance, as she immediately struck twice in her opening spell. Despite that, India Women managed to score a tinge above run-a-ball - being 69/2 at the end of the first Powerplay.

On a sun-baked pitch tailor-made for batting, India Women's innings began on shaky ground with their captain's early exit. Shafali Verma responded with characteristic aggression, crafting a promising 37-run partnership with Bhatia before falling herself. Though Yastika Bhatia found her rhythm and scored with confidence, India surprisingly lost their top three within the first 11 overs, despite the favorable conditions, largely due to rushed shot selection.

A very disappointing outing with the bat for India Women as they have been bowled out without playing the allotted 50 overs. Body language experts can assert that the Indian Head Coach, Amol Muzumdar is livid in the dugout, but it has been that kind of a day from the Indian perspective. One goes, and the other follows her. On the other hand, a job well done by the Kiwi bowlers. The ball held onto the surface and that's where the tweakers came in handy, bowling exactly according to the conditions and the demand of the situation.

44.3: Jess Kerr to Deepti Sharma, OUT! TIMBER! Deepti Sharma is the final player to be dismissed! Lands it fuller and on leg, Deepti Sharma shuffles across to sweep it but misses as the ball rattles over the leg pole. A fine innings from Deepti Sharma comes to an end and India Women have been bowled out for 227 runs!

44.2: Jess Kerr to Deepti Sharma, Fuller again, this is again flicked towards mid-wicket. Dot again.

44.1: Jess Kerr to Deepti Sharma, Too full, on off, Deepti Sharma nudges it through mid-wicket. She denies for a single.

44.1: Jess Kerr to Deepti Sharma, Wide! Lands it down leg, Deepti Sharma looks to sweep it but misses.

43.6: Melie Kerr to Renuka Singh Thakur, Quicker one, outside off, turning away. Renuka Singh Thakur looks to block it but gets beaten again.

43.5: Melie Kerr to Renuka Singh Thakur, Slower one, on off, Renuka Singh Thakur looks to block it but the bal hits the upper part of her bat and carries back. Melie Kerr fumbles a bit and fails to reach to the ball in time. So close!

43.4: Melie Kerr to Renuka Singh Thakur, Play and a miss again. Some turn and bounce, outside off, Renuka Singh Thakur looks to play at it but misses again.

43.3: Melie Kerr to Renuka Singh Thakur, Past the edge! Looped up outside off, and then it dips and turns with extra bounce. Renuka Singh Thakur looks to block it but gets beaten.

Renuka Singh Thakur is the last batter for India Women.

43.2: Melie Kerr to Saima Thakor, OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Melie Kerr gets her fourth wicket and India Women are staring down an all-out before 50 overs. Melie Kerr cunningly varies her pace again, bowls it on a flatter trajectory around off, on a fuller length. It turns and bounces a bit as well off the deck. Saima Thakor employs the sweep shot, gets her bat underneath the ball but due to that excessive bounce, she ends up slices it flat in the air. Doesn't get the distance and airs it straight towards Hannah Rowe patrolling the deep square leg boundary. She takes a regulation catch in the deep and India Women are 9 wickets down now.

43.1: Melie Kerr to Saima Thakor, Pushed through, full and around off, Saima Thakor lunges out with a huge stride and eases it to the point region.

42.6: Jess Kerr to Saima Thakor, Full and at the leg stump. Thakor drills it to wide long on for a single.

42.5: Jess Kerr to Saima Thakor, A stifled appeal for LBW by the keeper but 'No' says the umpire. Izzy Gaze is not given a go-ahead by the skipper to go upstairs on this one. A cross-seamed delivery on the middle and leg, skids quickly off the deck. Saima Thakor looks to play it across but inside edges it onto the pads.

42.4: Jess Kerr to Deepti Sharma, On the pads, on a full length, this is turned to the front of square in the leg side by Deepti for a single.

42.3: Jess Kerr to Saima Thakor, Lands it full and on off, Saima Thakor tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

42.2: Jess Kerr to Saima Thakor, Full and outside off. Thakor goes for the drive but misses it to the keeper.

Saima Thakor is in at number 10.

42.1: Jess Kerr to Radha Yadav, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Easy-peasy, says Jess Kerr as she gets her second wicket! Yet another soft dismissal and India Women are now reduced to 223/8. Jess Kerr bowls it on a good length, around off, it skids through quickly off the deck and hurries the batter. Radha Yadav pushes it with hard hands and just ends up chipping it back to the bowler. Jess Kerr takes a simple catch on the follow-through. Radha Yadav walks back in disgust and punches her bat. New Zealand Women really pressing in on their opponents now.

41.6: Melie Kerr to Radha Yadav, Length-delivery, around off and middle, Radha Yadav tucks it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for an easy single to end the over.

41.5: Melie Kerr to Deepti Sharma, Just outside off, in a good length, Deepti Sharma stabs it off the back foot to wide of short third for a single.

41.4: Melie Kerr to Radha Yadav, On off, full in length, pushed to wide of cover for a quick single.

41.3: Melie Kerr to Deepti Sharma, Melie Kerr slips in a low full toss at the leg stump. Deepti gets down on a knee and sweeps it to deep backward square leg for a single.

41.2: Melie Kerr to Radha Yadav, Full and tossed up outside off. Radha Yadav gets to the pitch of the ball and drives it to sweeper cover for a single.

Radha Yadav is in at number 9.

41.1: Melie Kerr to Arundhati Reddy, OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Melie Kerr snags her third wicket and creates impact yet again in her new spell. Arundhati Reddy never looked comfortable throughout her inning and perishes. Melie Kerr bowls a wrong'un, on a good length, nipping back in quickly off the track, from around off. It bounces a bit extra as well and catches Arundhati Reddy by surprise as she gets a bit off-balance. She goes through her pull shot but does not get the distance required to clear the ropes. Ends up hitting it right down the throat of Hannah Rowe at deep mid-wicket.  

Melie Kerr (7-0-37-2) is back into the attack now.

40.6: Jess Kerr to Deepti Sharma, Pinned down the leg side, on a fullish length, Deepti Sharma sits down to sweep it away but misses. She is livid as it is deemed as a fair delivery by the on-field umpire. 

40.5: Jess Kerr to Arundhati Reddy, Angling on the middle and leg, on a fuller length, Arundhati Reddy moves across off, sits on her knee and sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

40.4: Jess Kerr to Deepti Sharma, Not that short, on off, Deepti Sharma stands tall and swivels and pulls it along the ground for a single at deep square leg.

40.3: Jess Kerr to Arundhati Reddy, Length ball, outside off, cut away to deep backward point for a single by Reddy.

40.2: Jess Kerr to Arundhati Reddy, Much fuller and outside off, Arundhati Reddy prods ahead and drives it straight to cover.

40.1: Jess Kerr to Arundhati Reddy, On middle, on a length, tucked away to mid-wicket.

POWERPLAY 3! A maximum of five players are permitted to be placed outside the 30-yard circle from overs 41-50.

39.6: Suzie Bates to Deepti Sharma, FOUR! That's a poor delivery and it gets the treatment! Errs it down leg, Deepti Sharma uses the pace of the ball and tickles it past short fine for a boundary.

39.5: Suzie Bates to Deepti Sharma, Fuller one, on middle and leg, Deepti Sharma fends it back.

39.5: Suzie Bates to Deepti Sharma, Wide! Errs it down leg, Deepti Sharma looks to sweep it but misses.

39.4: Suzie Bates to Arundhati Reddy, Too full, on off, Arundhati Reddy knocks it to mid on for one.

39.3: Suzie Bates to Deepti Sharma, Sways it on leg, Deepti Sharma turns it to backward square leg for one.

39.2: Suzie Bates to Arundhati Reddy, Slower one, on off, Arundhati Reddy eases it to mid on for one.

39.1: Suzie Bates to Arundhati Reddy, Short, on off, Arundhati Reddy drills it to long on for a brace.

38.6: Eden Carson to Deepti Sharma, Fuller one, on off, Deepti Sharma drives it to the fielder at extra covers.

38.5: Eden Carson to Arundhati Reddy, Bowls it on off, Arundhati Reddy knocks it down the ground for one.

38.4: Eden Carson to Deepti Sharma, Slower one, on off, Deepti Sharma lifts it over mid on for one.

38.3: Eden Carson to Deepti Sharma, Short and wide, Deepti Sharma cuts it but finds the fielder at point.

38.2: Eden Carson to Deepti Sharma, Bowls it on leg, Deepti Sharma sweeps it through backward square leg for a brace.

38.1: Eden Carson to Deepti Sharma, Lands it outside off, Deepti Sharma looks to drive it but edges it to short third. The fielder collects it on the bounce and throws it back to the bowler's end quickly. However, Eden Carson does not watch the fielder picking and throwing it and continues to walk back to her run-up. She realizes a bit late that the throw is at her end. But, she fails to collect the ball and it rolls to the mid on region. Seizing the opportunity, the batters cross over. But, it is eventually deemed a DEAD BALL by the on-field umpire.

37.6: Brooke Halliday to Deepti Sharma, Fuller this time, on off, Deepti Sharma drives it through covers for one.

37.5: Brooke Halliday to Deepti Sharma, Short and wide, Deepti Sharma eases it to the point fielder.

37.4: Brooke Halliday to Deepti Sharma, Full, outside off, Deepti Sharma moves forward and looks to loft it but ends up chipping it in the hands of the fielder at mid off. Dot.

37.4: Brooke Halliday to Deepti Sharma, Wide! Width, way outside the tramline. Wided. Free Hit continues...

37.4: Brooke Halliday to Arundhati Reddy, A high full toss, Arundhati Reddy pulls it to mid-wicket for one. It's a NO BALL or height. Free Hit coming up...

37.3: Brooke Halliday to Arundhati Reddy, Tossed up, on off, Arundhati Reddy digs it back to the bowler.

37.2: Brooke Halliday to Deepti Sharma, Too full, outside off, Deepti Sharma taps it to point for one.

37.1: Brooke Halliday to Arundhati Reddy, Lands it down leg, Arundhati Reddy tickles it fine for a quick single.

36.6: Eden Carson to Deepti Sharma, FOUR! Excellent from Deepti Sharma! Touch short and on off, Deepti Sharma shimmies down the wicket and lifts it magnificently over the bowler's head for a one-bounce boundary.

36.5: Eden Carson to Deepti Sharma, Slower through the air, on off, Deepti Sharma guides it to the fielder at short third.

36.4: Eden Carson to Arundhati Reddy, Too full, on off, Arundhati Reddy knocks it to mid on for one.

36.3: Eden Carson to Deepti Sharma, Sways it down leg, Deepti Sharma sweeps it fine for one.

36.2: Eden Carson to Arundhati Reddy, Short, on middle, Arundhati Reddy tucks it to mid on for one.

36.1: Eden Carson to Arundhati Reddy, Bowls it on off, Arundhati Reddy blocks it back to the bowler.

35.6: Melie Kerr to Deepti Sharma, Slower through the air, on off, Deepti Sharma sweeps it to the fielder at short fine.

35.5: Melie Kerr to Arundhati Reddy, Short, on off, Arundhati Reddy punches it through point for one.

35.4: Melie Kerr to Arundhati Reddy, Tossed up, on off, turning in. Arundhati Reddy fends it back.

35.3: Melie Kerr to Arundhati Reddy, Lands it on off, Arundhati Reddy eases it to mid off again.

35.2: Melie Kerr to Arundhati Reddy, Goes fuller, on off, Arundhati Reddy knocks it to the mid off fielder.

35.1: Melie Kerr to Deepti Sharma, Short, on off, Deepti Sharma gets low and slogs it through square leg for one.

34.6: Eden Carson to Arundhati Reddy, Around off, blocked out.

34.5: Eden Carson to Deepti Sharma, Fuller one, on off, Arundhati Reddy moves forward and lifts it over the bowler's head for a single.

34.4: Eden Carson to Deepti Sharma, Sways it down leg, Deepti Sharma looks to sweep it but gets a hit on her left hand.

34.3: Eden Carson to Arundhati Reddy, Slower again, on off, Arundhati Reddy taps it to mid on for a quick single.

34.2: Eden Carson to Arundhati Reddy, Slower one, on middle, Arundhati Reddy blocks it to mid on.

34.1: Eden Carson to Deepti Sharma, Fuller one, on off, Deepti Sharma drives it to covers for one.

33.6: Melie Kerr to Deepti Sharma, Short, on off, Deepti Sharma cuts it to point for one.

33.5: Melie Kerr to Deepti Sharma, Short, on off, Deepti Sharma blocks it back.

33.4: Melie Kerr to Arundhati Reddy, Lands it on off, Arundhati Reddy flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

Arundhati Reddy is in next.

33.3: Melie Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, OUT! STUMPED! Bowls it slower through the air with a bit more revolutions on it, and tempts the batter to have a go at it. Tejal Hasabnis falls into the trap and comes dancing down the track but fails to reach the pitch of the delivery and goes for a wild hoick across the line. The ball turns away from her after landing and beats the bat by a mile. Izzy Gaze behind the sticks collects it cleanly and does the rest with Tejal way out of her crease. Melie Kerr gets her second wicket. A good knock from the debutant as she departs on 42! India Women have now slipped down from 152/4 to 181/6 in the last 6.4 overs.

33.2: Melie Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, Tossed up, on off, Tejal Hasabnis leans forward and blocks it.

33.1: Melie Kerr to Deepti Sharma, Fuller one, on off, Deepti Sharma sweeps it to square leg for one.

32.6: Eden Carson to Tejal Hasabnis, Sprays it on leg, Tejal Hasabnis helps it but finds the fielder at short fine.

32.5: Eden Carson to Deepti Sharma, Tossed it up, on off, Deepti Sharma sweeps it to square leg for one.

32.4: Eden Carson to Tejal Hasabnis, Goes full, on off, Tejal Hasabnis flicks it to square leg for one.

32.3: Eden Carson to Deepti Sharma, Slower one, on off, Deepti Sharma looks to loft it but miscues it to mid on for one.

32.2: Eden Carson to Deepti Sharma, Some turn and bounce, outside off, Deepti Sharma looks to sweep it but gets beaten.

32.1: Eden Carson to Tejal Hasabnis, Lands it on off, Tejal Hasabnis lifts it over mid on for one.

31.6: Sophie Devine to Deepti Sharma, On a length and too much width, Deepti Sharma cuts it but finds the fielder at point.

31.5: Sophie Devine to Tejal Hasabnis, Another single as this is flicked towards the mid-wicket region.

31.4: Sophie Devine to Deepti Sharma, Goes fuller, on middle, Deepti Sharma nudges it to mid-wicket for one.

31.3: Sophie Devine to Tejal Hasabnis, Touch short and on middle, Tejal Hasabnis pulls it to backward square leg for one.

31.2: Sophie Devine to Deepti Sharma, Full, on middle, Deepti Sharma flicks it to square leg for one.

31.2: Sophie Devine to Deepti Sharma, Wide! Lands it down leg, Deepti Sharma leaves it alone.

31.1: Sophie Devine to Deepti Sharma, SIX! Up and away! Touch fuller and just outside off, Deepti Sharma is severe on it. She picks it well and hammers it over long on for a biggie.

30.6: Suzie Bates to Deepti Sharma, Slower one, on off, Deepti Sharma eases it to mid on for one again. Deepti Sharma is having a bit of an issue with her left hand and it is being strapped heavily now. 

30.5: Suzie Bates to Tejal Hasabnis, Fuller again, on middle, Tejal Hasabnis helps it to short fine for one.

30.4: Suzie Bates to Deepti Sharma, Lands it on middle, this is swept away towards square leg for one.

30.3: Suzie Bates to Deepti Sharma, Slower one, on off, Deepti Sharma tucks it to the mid on fielder.

30.2: Suzie Bates to Tejal Hasabnis, Full, on off, Tejal Hasabnis sweeps it to square leg for one.

30.1: Suzie Bates to Tejal Hasabnis, Lands it on off, Tejal Hasabnis eases it to mid on.

29.6: Sophie Devine to Tejal Hasabnis, Devine goes fuller and touch outside off, Tejal Hasabnis turns it to deep mid-wicket and milks another single to end the over.

29.5: Sophie Devine to Tejal Hasabnis, Length ball, just outside off, at 111.4 kph. Hasabnis pushes it to backward point.

29.4: Sophie Devine to Deepti Sharma, In the air...lands safe! Pitched fuller, on the leg stump line, Deepti Sharma stands rooted in her crease and looks to wrist the flick with her strong bottom hand, but closes her bat early and ends up getting a thickish top edge that flies over the keeper's head and lands safely at the short fine region. A single taken.

29.3: Sophie Devine to Deepti Sharma, On the stumps, on middle, Deepti Sharma taps it to the leg side.

29.2: Sophie Devine to Tejal Hasabnis, Not too full and not too short, on middle, Tejal Hasabnis flicks it with her wrists to deep square leg for a single.

29.1: Sophie Devine to Tejal Hasabnis, Pitched up, full and on off, Tejal Hasabnis gets on the front foot and knocks it solidly to the leg side.

A bit of a halt as Deepti Sharma is being treated with the magic spray on her left hand. She is good to continue now.

28.6: Suzie Bates to Tejal Hasabnis, Fuller one, on off, Tejal Hasabnis sweeps it to square leg for one.

28.5: Suzie Bates to Tejal Hasabnis, On the stumps, Tejal Hasabnis covers her line and eases it to short mid-wicket.

28.4: Suzie Bates to Deepti Sharma, Short, on off, Deepti Sharma punches it to covers for one.

28.3: Suzie Bates to Tejal Hasabnis, Another single as Deepti Sharma tucks this through the mid-wicket region.

28.2: Suzie Bates to Deepti Sharma, Too full, on off, Deepti Sharma sweeps it through mid-wicket for one.

28.1: Suzie Bates to Deepti Sharma, Short, on off, Deepti blocks it solidly.

Drinks! Well, India Women were motoring along well after being reduced to 91/4. Jemimah Rodrigues and the debutant Tejal Hasabnis knocked around the park and constructed a resilient 61-run stand. Tejal Hasabnis in particular looked very impressive and stays unbeaten on 32 but with the fall of Jemimah Rodrigues, India Women will have to rebuild again. Deepti Sharma will have to play an important hand here as this is the last recognized batting pair with a long tail to follow. New Zealand Women have done well and Sophie Devine has shuffled her bowlers cunningly. Yes, runs have been ticked along but nothing at a worrisome pace as yet. It has been 31 balls since the last boundary. Also, it will be crucial to see whether Molly Penfold comes back to bowl or not after a strain.

27.6: Sophie Devine to Tejal Hasabnis, Too full, on off, Tejal Hasabnis drills it straight to mid off.

27.5: Sophie Devine to Tejal Hasabnis, Nice and full around off, pushed firmly to mid off.

27.4: Sophie Devine to Deepti Sharma, Full in length again, on the leg stump line, Deepti Sharma steers it to deep square leg for a single.

27.3: Sophie Devine to Deepti Sharma, On the money again, is Devine. Full and on the middle, punched onto the pitch by Deepti.

27.2: Sophie Devine to Deepti Sharma, Fuller length outside off. Deepti pushes it to mid off.

27.1: Sophie Devine to Deepti Sharma, Devine bowls it full and on the stumps, Deepti Sharma leans ahead and eases it to the bowler.

26.6: Suzie Bates to Deepti Sharma, Short of a good length, on the stumps, Deepti Sharma hangs back and nudges it across to the leg side for a single. A successful over for Bates and New Zealand Women.

Deepti Sharma is in at number 7.

26.5: Suzie Bates to Jemimah Rodrigues, OUT! LBW! A huge appeal for LBW from Bates and the finger goes up. Jemimah chats with her partner and goes upstairs and challenges the on-field decision. This is a good-length delivery, flat in trajectory and quicker in pace from Bates, around off and drifting on middle, Jemimah Rodrigues walks a bit too across off to nudge it away to the leg side but ends up playing all over the line of the ball and gets rapped on the front pad. UltraEdge comes up and shows nothing. Ball Tracking shows that the impact is on the umpire's call but the ball is clipping the off and middle stumps on the projection. The on-field decision is overturned and India Women lose half of their side now. Another Indian batter losing her wicket after getting a solid start. Jemimah Rodrigues departs on a well-constructed 35 and Suzie Bates breaks the crucial 61-run partnership for the fifth wicket. India Women are now 152/5 after 26.5 overs.

26.4: Suzie Bates to Jemimah Rodrigues, Much slower through the air, on the leg stump, Jemimah Rodrigues sweeps it off the inner half of the bat to short fine.

26.3: Suzie Bates to Tejal Hasabnis, Full in length, on the middle, clipped away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

26.2: Suzie Bates to Jemimah Rodrigues, Flat and good length, on off, Jemimah Rodrigues hangs back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single. Georgia Plimmer comes charging to the ball from the deep and prevents any further run.

26.1: Suzie Bates to Tejal Hasabnis, Bates pushes it through, full and on leg, Tejal Hasabnis looks to sweep but gets a top edge that lands safely at the vacant short fine region for a single.

25.6: Sophie Devine to Tejal Hasabnis, Tejal Hasabnis moves into her 30s now. Shade outside off, full in length, Tejal Hasabnis clips it with her wrists to widish deep mid-wicket for a single to end the over. 6 singles off Devine's third over. India Women are 149/4.

25.5: Sophie Devine to Jemimah Rodrigues, Much fuller now, on the stumps, Jemimah Rodrigues prods ahead and drives it through covers for a single.

25.4: Sophie Devine to Tejal Hasabnis, Half-tracker outside off, cut away through cover-point for a single by Hasabnis.

25.3: Sophie Devine to Jemimah Rodrigues, Length ball, on off, Jemimah Rodrigues tucks it around the corner to the leg side and runs a single.

25.2: Sophie Devine to Tejal Hasabnis, Good length around off stump. Hasabnis pushes it in front of cover for a single.

25.1: Sophie Devine to Jemimah Rodrigues, Length-delivery outside off. Rodrigues cuts it to deep point for a single.

Uh, oh! Molly Penfold is really struggling here possibly due to a strain and is down on her haunches. The physio is out there to check her up as the others help themselves with some fluids. It is very warm out there as the sun is scorchingly unforgiving. Meanwhile, Penfold is being helped with some stretching exercises in the middle. Not a pleasing sign for New Zealand Women as Molly Penfold is walking off the field and looks in a bit of discomfort. Sophie Devine is back into the attack, she is 2-0-9-0 so far. 

24.6: Suzie Bates to Jemimah Rodrigues, On the pads on a good length, nurdled away to deep square leg for a single. Halfway into the first innings and this partnership now has added 52 runs together as India Women look a bit settled at 143/4.

24.6: Suzie Bates to Tejal Hasabnis, WIDE! Spills it down leg does Suzie Bates, full in length, Tejal Hasabnis misses to sweep it away and the keeper too, fails to cling on and parries the ball to the short fine region. Jemimah Rodrigues is quick to call and complete the single.

24.5: Suzie Bates to Tejal Hasabnis, Pushed through, flat and full on middle, Tejal Hasabnis leans on and knocks it back to the bowler.

24.4: Suzie Bates to Tejal Hasabnis, Good length, on middle, nudged to mid-wicket.

24.3: Suzie Bates to Jemimah Rodrigues, Length ball, just outside off, Jemimah Rodrigues hangs back and flat-bats it to long on for a single.

24.2: Suzie Bates to Jemimah Rodrigues, Excellent running again! Slips in a full toss, on the stumps, Rodrigues sits down on her knee and wrists the sweep to deep square leg for a brace. Georgia Plimmer covers a lot of ground from deep mid-wicket and saves a certain boundary for her side. She has been a live wire in the field, to say the least.

24.1: Suzie Bates to Jemimah Rodrigues, Suzie Bates comes into the attack, replacing Jess Kerr. Pushed through, full and around off, Jemimah Rodrigues clips it with soft hands to deep mid-wicket and straightaway calls for two. Scampers back easily and completes the second.

23.6: Molly Penfold to Tejal Hasabnis, A dot to end the 24th over. Short, outside off, tapped away off the back foot but straight to point. Just 4 singles from this one. India Women are 135/4 and this 5th wicket partnership moves to 44 off 53 deliveries.

23.5: Molly Penfold to Jemimah Rodrigues, Stays over the stumps, bowls a fuller one, angling on middle, Jemimah Rodrigues walks across and nudges it along the ground to deep square leg for a single.

23.4: Molly Penfold to Tejal Hasabnis, Short in length, just outside off, Tejal Hasabnis waits for it to arrive and ramps it over short third for a single.

23.3: Molly Penfold to Jemimah Rodrigues, On the back of a length, in front of the pegs, Jemimah Rodrigues mistimes the tuck and chips it off the bat to wide of mid-wicket for a single.

23.2: Molly Penfold to Tejal Hasabnis, Tinge outside off on a length, Tejal Hasabnis goes for a front foot drive but ends up slicing it off the outside half of the bat to deep third for a single.

23.1: Molly Penfold to Tejal Hasabnis, Short of a good length, on the top of the stumps, Tejal Hasabnis gets behind the line of the ball and taps it onto the pitch with soft hands.

Molly Penfold (4-0-24-0) is brought back into the attack now. She replaces Melie Kerr.

22.6: Jess Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, Slower in pace at 99.5 kph, on a length on middle, Tejal Hasabnis nurdles it with soft hands in front of short mid-wicket and steals a quick single.

22.5: Jess Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, FOUR! Down the ground! Jess Kerr bowls it right into the slot, on the stumps, Tejal Hasabnis clears her front leg and hammers it down the ground beating the diving mid on fielder for a boundary.

22.4: Jess Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, Make that four dots in a row! Full and outside off, Tejal Hasabnis gets a stride across, and slashes towards the cover fielder.

22.3: Jess Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, Three dots on the bounce by Jess Kerr! Overpitched, into the blockhole, this is shoveled out to cover by Tejal Hasabnis.

22.2: Jess Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, Pitched on the nagging length, at the stumps, Tejal Hasabnis brings her bat straight through the line and blocks it back to the bowler on the front foot.

22.1: Jess Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, Jess Kerr bowls it full and around off, Tejal Hasabnis taps her front foot ahead and drills it straight to mid off.

Jess Kerr to continue for her extended spell. She is 5-0-37-1 so far.

21.6: Melie Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, A wrong'un from Melie Kerr. Length ball, on off, Tejal Hasabnis rocks back and pulls it along the ground for a single to deep mid-wicket.

21.5: Melie Kerr to Jemimah Rodrigues, Closer to the body, on a length, Jemimah Rodrigues hangs back and knocks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

21.4: Melie Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, Length, on the middle, pulled to the leg side for a single.

21.3: Melie Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, Nice and full, on the stumps, Tejal Hasabnis employs the sweep shot and hits it behind square. The fielder from deep square leg region, Lauren Down, sprints and slides to her right and intercepts the ball cleanly. Two taken.

21.2: Melie Kerr to Jemimah Rodrigues, Slower at just 79 kph, outside off on a length, Jemimah Rodrigues pats it off the back foot in front of cover-point for a quick single.

21.1: Melie Kerr to Jemimah Rodrigues, FOUR! Swept away! Melie Kerr pushes it fuller and outside off, Jemimah Rodrigues brings out the broom, gets on the top of the ball and sweeps it neatly through square leg for a boundary.

20.6: Jess Kerr to Jemimah Rodrigues, Fuller length around off. Rodrigues flicks it to deep mid-wicket and calls for two but Georgia Plimmer was quick to the ball and keeps the batters down to just a single. Plimmer has been quite busy in the field today and has been pretty effective.

20.5: Jess Kerr to Jemimah Rodrigues, Outside off, on a good length, Jemimah Rodrigues shuffles outside off and drags the pull along the ground between long on and deep mid-wicket. The two fielders converge to stop the ball, but Georgia Plimmer from deep mid-wicket slides eventually and flicks the ball cleanly before the ropes. Two taken.

20.4: Jess Kerr to Jemimah Rodrigues, Pitched up, full and outside off, Jemimah Rodrigues leans on and drives it straight to cover.

20.3: Jess Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, Drifting down the middle and leg, on a fuller length, Tejal Hasabnis looks to thread the gap between the mid-wicket and mid on region, but the fielder from mid on moves to her right and stops the ball. Just a single then.

20.2: Jess Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, A low full toss around off, Tejal Hasabnis mistimes it straight to mid off.

20.1: Jess Kerr to Jemimah Rodrigues, The call is for two from Jemimah but they will get only one. Length, around off, Jemimah Rodrigues shuffles across off and tucks it to widish mid-wicket for a single.

Change? Nope, Jess Kerr (4-0-32-1) to continue.

19.6: Melie Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, FOUR! Nicely timed stroke! Short and wide, Tejal Hasabnis rocks back and punches it elegantly through point as the ball races away.

19.5: Melie Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, Lands it in off, Tejal Hasabnis eases it to point.

19.4: Melie Kerr to Jemimah Rodrigues, Short, outside off, Jemimah Rodrigues flicks it through mid-wicket for one.

19.3: Melie Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, Fuller one, outside off, Tejal Hasabnis waits for the ball and guides it late through short third for three runs. Excellent chase by the fielder to stop the boundary.

19.2: Melie Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, Bowls it on off, Tejal Hasabnis taps it to covers.

19.1: Melie Kerr to Jemimah Rodrigues, Bowls it on off, Jemimah Rodrigues works it to covers for one.

18.6: Jess Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, Lands it on off, Tejal Hasabnis taps it to short covers.

18.5: Jess Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, Slower one this time, Tejal Hasabnis eases it to the point fielder.

18.4: Jess Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, Fuller one, on off, Tejal Hasabnis pushes it to the mid off fielder.

18.3: Jess Kerr to Jemimah Rodrigues, On a length and on off, Jemimah Rodrigues tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

18.2: Jess Kerr to Jemimah Rodrigues, Lands it outside off, Jemimah Rodrigues looks to drive it but edges it to the fielder at short third.

18.1: Jess Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, On a length and it keeps a bit low, on leg, Tejal Hasabnis turns it to square leg for one.

17.6: Melie Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, Lands it on off, Tejal Hasabnis digs it to mid on. A bit of a fumble in the middle but they complete the single eventually.

17.5: Melie Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, Too full, outside off, Tejal Hasabnis looks to drive it but misses.

17.4: Melie Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, Short and wide, Tejal Hasabnis looks to slap it but misses.

17.3: Melie Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, Lands it on off, Tejal blocks it soldily.

17.2: Melie Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, Full, on off, Tejal Hasabnis pushes it to covers.

17.1: Melie Kerr to Jemimah Rodrigues, More flight, on middle, Jemimah Rodrigues sweeps it to square leg for one.

16.6: Eden Carson to Tejal Hasabnis, Too full, Tejal Hasabnis digs it to the fielder at short mid-wicket.

16.5: Eden Carson to Tejal Hasabnis, Short, on leg, Tejal Hasabnis tucks it to the mid-wicket fielder.

16.4: Eden Carson to Tejal Hasabnis, Tosses it up this time, Tejal Hasabnis eases it to point.

16.3: Eden Carson to Tejal Hasabnis, Quicker, on off, Tejal Hasabnis leans forward and blocks it back.

16.2: Eden Carson to Tejal Hasabnis, Short and outside off, Tejal Hasabnis opens the face of the bat and guides it past short third for a brace.

16.1: Eden Carson to Jemimah Rodrigues, Bowls it on off, Jemimah Rodrigues sweeps it to square leg for one.

15.6: Melie Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, FOUR! Tejal Hasabnis gets off the mark in international cricket, in a bit of a streaky manner! Lands it outside off, Tejal Hasabnis looks to play at it but gets a bottom edge as the ball races past the keeper and finds the fence at third man.

15.5: Melie Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, Lands it on off, Tejal Hasabnis blocks it solidly.

15.4: Melie Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, A confident appeal for LBW, not given! Is it missing leg? The finger has stayed down. Melie Kerr has a word with the keeper and takes the DRS. Coming to the delivery, it's a tossed-up one, on leg and curling away, Tejal Hasabnis tries to defend but misses. The Ultra Edge shows no spike and Ball Tracking shows that it was missing the stumps. The onfield decision stands NOT OUT and New Zealand Women lost a review.

15.3: Melie Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, Full again, on off, Tejal Hasabnis pushes it to the mid off fielder.

15.2: Melie Kerr to Tejal Hasabnis, Fuller one, on off, Tejal Hasabnis blocks it back.

Tejal Hasabnis, the debutant walks in at number 6.

15.1: Melie Kerr to Yastika Bhatia, OUT! CAUGHT! Melie Kerr strikes and creates yet another impact. And again, the break in play, brings a wicket for the bowling side. More flight, and bowled on a length on middle and leg. Seems to just stick in the surface and bounce a bit extra. Yastika Bhatia is lured to play a sweep shot but gets a top edge due to the extra bounce. The ball carries towards deep square leg where Eden Carson completes the catch. Yastika Bhatia bites the dust after getting a solid start and departs on 37 (43). And now, India Women have slipped to 91/4 in just 15.1 overs. Melie Kerr effectively breaks the brewing 20-run stand for the fourth wicket. New Zealand Women are right on top.

Drinks! So, India Women are 91/3 after 15 overs. Yastika Bhatia is unbeaten on 37, showing solid form, while Jemimah Rodrigues has just arrived at the crease, contributing 8 runs off 11 balls. The batting side is in a stable yet critical phase, aiming to consolidate with a partnership as they look to set a competitive score. New Zealand Women will look for wickets and will look to put the opposition under pressure. Let's see how it pans out...

14.6: Eden Carson to Jemimah Rodrigues, Quicker and flatter on the pads, Jemimah Rodrigues looks to nudge this on leg snd sneak one but the ball rolls straight to the mid-wicket fielder and the batters settle for a dot. 

14.5: Eden Carson to Yastika Bhatia, A good shot from Yastika Bhatia as she lofts this fuller one over cover for a single. 

14.4: Eden Carson to Jemimah Rodrigues, Quicker and fuller on the pads, Jemimah Rodrigues hops back and lofts this uppishly towards deep mid-wicket for one. 

14.3: Eden Carson to Yastika Bhatia, Short of a length around off, Yastika Bhatia once again rocks back and punches this through cover for one. 

14.2: Eden Carson to Yastika Bhatia, Tossed up on off, Yastika Bhatia jams this down on off. 

14.1: Eden Carson to Jemimah Rodrigues, Fuller, on off. Jemimah Rodrigues gently taps this in front of short cover and steals one. 

13.6: Melie Kerr to Yastika Bhatia, Length dragged back in the line of stumps, Yastika Bhatia flicks this off her back foot towards the right of deep mid-wicket where Georgia Plimmer does the hard yards, dives and saves a couple to end the over. 

13.5: Melie Kerr to Yastika Bhatia, Low full toss, Yastika Bhatia moves in and scoops this to the left of Izzy Gaze behind the stumps for a couple. 

13.4: Melie Kerr to Yastika Bhatia, Wrong'un on off, Yastika Bhatia is onto her back foot to pull this but ends up defending this on off as this was going away from her. 

13.3: Melie Kerr to Jemimah Rodrigues, Length dragged back, around leg. Jemimah Rodrigues milks this towards the deep on leg for one. 

13.2: Melie Kerr to Yastika Bhatia, Flighted around leg, Yastika Bhatia flicks this through mid-wicket and runs one. 

13.1: Melie Kerr to Jemimah Rodrigues, Gets turn on the first delivery she bowls, Jemimah Rodrigues rocks back and cuts this toward sweeper cover for one. 

Melie Kerr comes into the attack, replacing Sophie Devine.

12.6: Eden Carson to Yastika Bhatia, A string of dots to end the over as Yastika Bhatia defends this on off. 

12.5: Eden Carson to Yastika Bhatia, Fuller around off, Yastika Bhatia drives this towards short cover for no run. 

12.4: Eden Carson to Yastika Bhatia, Length dragged back a bit, Yastika Bhatia pushes this towards off for another dot. 

12.3: Eden Carson to Yastika Bhatia, Fuller around off, Yastika Bhatia blocks it out on leg. A bit of inside edge onto this. 

12.2: Eden Carson to Yastika Bhatia, FOUR! Poor delivery from Carson and Yastika Bhatia punishes her. Goes around the wicket and throws one down the leg, Yastika Bhatia gets low on her knee and sweeps this towards the vacant region at fine leg. 

12.1: Eden Carson to Jemimah Rodrigues, Fuller and quicker on the pads, Jemimah Rodrigues flicks this towards deep square and takes one. 

11.6: Sophie Devine to Jemimah Rodrigues, On a length, drifting down the leg, Jemimah Rodrigues flicks this towards deep mid-wicket fielder for one. 

11.5: Sophie Devine to Jemimah Rodrigues, On a length around off, Jemimah Rodrigues pushes this towards mid off and settles for no run. Jemimah Rodrigues was looking for a single initially but the ball was timed too well for that. 

11.4: Sophie Devine to Jemimah Rodrigues, Good length, outside off. Jemimah Rodrigues punches this to extra cover for no run. 

11.3: Sophie Devine to Yastika Bhatia, Pitched-up around off, Yastika Bhatia opens the face of her bat and slices this through point for a single. 

11.2: Sophie Devine to Yastika Bhatia, On a length, angling into the batter, Yastika Bhatia nudges this towards square leg for no run. 

11.1: Sophie Devine to Jemimah Rodrigues, Fuller, on the pads. Jemimah Rodrigues tucks this through mid-wicket for a single. 

10.6: Eden Carson to Jemimah Rodrigues, Quicker around the pads, Jemimah Rodrigues flicks this towards deep square for a single to open her account. 

Jemimah Rodrigues is next. 

10.5: Eden Carson to Dayalan Hemalatha, OUT! STUMPED! Dayalan Hemalatha has thrown her wicket away as she falls in the trap of taking on the fielder inside the circle in the straight V. Tossed up and pushed through, it straightens up a bit after pitching outside off, Dayalan Hemalatha jumps down the track and looks to loft this over mid on. She does not get to the pitch of the ball and swings hard at it. Loses her shape completely and the ball misses the bat of Hemlatha. Izzy Gaze does the rest by gathering it behind the stumps and removing the bails in a flash. India Women have scored at a decent rate but New Zealand Women have managed to snag wickets in quick intervals as well. Eden Carson gets her second wicket and she continues to impress. India Women are reduced to 71/3.

10.5: Eden Carson to Dayalan Hemalatha, WIDE! Darted wide down the leg. Dayalan Hemalatha leaves it. Wided. 

10.4: Eden Carson to Yastika Bhatia, Short of a length wide of off, Yastika Bhatia rocks back and punches this to sweeper cover for one. 

10.3: Eden Carson to Yastika Bhatia, Sticking to a tight line is Carson. Too full, around middle and off, Yastika Bhatia blocks it out. 

10.2: Eden Carson to Yastika Bhatia, Tossed up around off, Yastika Bhatia guides this towards backward point for another dot. 

10.1: Eden Carson to Yastika Bhatia, Fuller, around off, Yastika Bhatia drives this to short extra cover for no run. 

POWERPLAY 2! A maximum of four fielders are now permitted to be stationed outside the 30-yard circle between the 11th and 40th overs.

9.6: Sophie Devine to Yastika Bhatia, Length ball across off, Yastika Bhatia guides it to wide of backward point for a single. End of the 10th over and India Women are motoring along well with a decent scoring rate - 69/2.

9.5: Sophie Devine to Yastika Bhatia, FOUR! Nice shot! Over the stumps, on the fullish length, angling around off, Yastika Bhatia gets a half stride forward and drives it nicely along the ground through covers for a boundary.

9.4: Sophie Devine to Dayalan Hemalatha, Good length and angling in from off stump line. Hemalatha works it to deep backward square leg for one.

9.3: Sophie Devine to Dayalan Hemalatha, Three dots in a row! Nice and full, on the stumps, Dayalan Hemalatha charges down and drives it straight back to the bowler. Devine dives on her follow-through and parries the ball to the mid off region. Dayalan Hemalatha looks to sneak out a single but she is sent back by Yastika Bhatia on a sharp call as the fielder at mid off is too alert and throws back to the keeper's end. 

9.2: Sophie Devine to Dayalan Hemalatha, Goes fuller this time, does Devine, on middle, Dayalan Hemalatha flicks it off the toe end of the bat to mid on.

9.1: Sophie Devine to Dayalan Hemalatha, Devine starts from over the stumps, with a slip in place. Hits the good length outside off, Dayalan Hemalatha gets on the back foot and punches it straight to cover.

Sophie Devine, the Kiwi skipper brings herself into the attack now. She replaces Molly Penfold.

8.6: Eden Carson to Yastika Bhatia, Pushed through on the stumps, full in length, Yastika Bhatia lunges ahead and defends it to short mid-wicket to end the over. A good over for India, 7 from this one.

8.5: Eden Carson to Yastika Bhatia, Too full, around off, Yastika Bhatia drives it inside out to deep covers and motors back for the second quickly.

8.4: Eden Carson to Yastika Bhatia, FOUR! Lovely piece of timing on this one! Carson errs in line, full and on the middle and leg, Yastika Bhatia sits down on her knee, gets her head still and right on the top of the ball and sweeps it past deep backward square leg for a boundary.

8.3: Eden Carson to Yastika Bhatia, Comes from around the stumps and bowls full, around off, Yastika Bhatia leans on and defends it out to the off side.

8.2: Eden Carson to Dayalan Hemalatha, Tossed up, on the middle, pushed towards wide of mid-wicket for a single.

8.1: Eden Carson to Dayalan Hemalatha, Carson pushes it through outside off, on a good length, Dayalan Hemalatha rocks back to cut but misses out.

7.6: Molly Penfold to Yastika Bhatia, And she ends up the over with three dots on the bounce. Bowls a steep bumper across off, Bhatia is quick to duck underneath it.

7.5: Molly Penfold to Yastika Bhatia, A good comeback by Molly Penfold after conceding a boundary on the first ball. Length, outside off, punched away firmly by Yastika Bhatia to cover.

7.4: Molly Penfold to Yastika Bhatia, On the middle, and full in length, Yastika Bhatia strides across and defends it off the inner half to short mid-wicket.

7.4: Molly Penfold to Yastika Bhatia, WIDE! Angling down the leg side now, on a good length, Yastika Bhatia misses to nurdle it away and it is given as a Wide.

7.3: Molly Penfold to Yastika Bhatia, Angling across off on a length, punched off the back foot to cover by Yastika.

7.2: Molly Penfold to Yastika Bhatia, Good length ball outside off, Bhatia lets is pass.

7.1: Molly Penfold to Yastika Bhatia, FOUR! A genuine loosener and easy pickings for Yastika! Down leg on a good length, Yastika Bhatia uses the pace, and just pulls it fine towards the vacant deep fine region for a boundary.

Change? Nope, Molly Penfold to continue for her fourth over.

6.6: Eden Carson to Dayalan Hemalatha, A successful over for Carson! A wicket and just two runs! On the stumps, on a good length, punched back to the bowler.

6.5: Eden Carson to Yastika Bhatia, Early call for two but they will have to settle in for just one. On the stumps, this is clipped away to deep square leg for a single. 50 up for India Women!

6.4: Eden Carson to Dayalan Hemalatha, Back of a length ball around off, spinning away. Hemalatha stands tall and punches it in the covers region for a run.

Dayalan Hemalatha is in at number 4.

6.3: Eden Carson to Shafali Verma, OUT! TAKEN! Eden Carson gets her first wicket and continues on her merry way from the T20 World Cup. Instant impact in her very first over as she gets the big fish! Drops it fractionally short in length, in front of the stumps and gets a bit of turn into the batter as well. Shafali Verma goes back and across, and is hurried to play the pull shot, but ends up mistiming it off the higher part of the bat. Hits it flat in the air and straight towards Brooke Halliday stationed at square leg. India Women are 2 wickets down now.

6.2: Eden Carson to Shafali Verma, Drags her length a bit, on middle, Shafali Verma mistimes and inside edges on her pull shot to the leg side, just near the strip.

6.1: Eden Carson to Shafali Verma, Eden Carson is into the attack now, replacing Jess Kerr. She starts from over the stumps, drifts it on a fuller length, around middle, Shafali Verma blocks it back to the bowler.

5.6: Molly Penfold to Yastika Bhatia, Back of a length, around off, Yastika Bhatia hangs back and firmly punches it on the surface to end the over. A comparatively quiet over. Just 4 from it.

5.5: Molly Penfold to Shafali Verma, A bit short and on the bodyline, Shafali Verma pulls it over short fine for a single.

5.4: Molly Penfold to Yastika Bhatia, Pitched up, outside leg, Yastika Bhatia tilts ahead and clips it behind square to deep square leg for an easy single.

5.3: Molly Penfold to Yastika Bhatia, Full, at the stumps, firmly pushed away to mid on by Yastika.

5.2: Molly Penfold to Shafali Verma, Full in length, on the pads, Verma flicks it over the in-field for a single on the bounce at deep mid-wicket.

5.1: Molly Penfold to Yastika Bhatia, Good length ball on the middle and off, Bhatia flicks it off the back foot to mid-wicket for one.

Change? Nope, Molly Penfold to continue.

4.6: Jess Kerr to Shafali Verma, FOUR MORE! 17 runs off it! An expensive one by Jess Kerr. Short in length again, jagging back in from the surface, Shafali Verma swats it with her wrists, and along the ground to beat the chasing fielder at deep mid-wicket for a boundary. Shafali Verma is looking in a good nick as she has timed the ball pretty well so far.

4.5: Jess Kerr to Shafali Verma, FOUR! SHOT! Nipping back in on the pads, on a short of a good length, Shafali Verma swivels and pulls it neatly through deep backward square leg for a boundary.

4.4: Jess Kerr to Shafali Verma, Straight on the stumps, on a fuller length, Shafali Verma pushes it firmly to mid off.

4.3: Jess Kerr to Shafali Verma, Back of a length ball angling down the leg, Verma turns it away towards short fine.

4.2: Jess Kerr to Shafali Verma, SIX! BOOM! Clean as a whistle! Jess Kerr rolls her fingers on the leather and takes on the pace off, lands it on a good length, around off, Shafali Verma brings her bat with a horizontal angle, and cleanly lofts it over the bowler's head for a cracking six.

4.2: Jess Kerr to Shafali Verma, Fuller-length delivery around off, Verma gets ahead and pushes it towards mid on. Uh, oh! Jess Kerr has overstepped here and it is called a NO BALL. Free Hit to follow.

4.1: Jess Kerr to Shafali Verma, Jess bowls a shorter one, jagging back in over the middle, Shafali Verma pulls it over the in-field and the ball dribbles towards the fence. Georgia Plimmer from deep mid-wicket motors to her right. She lunges and sticks her right hand out and perfectly pats the ball back inside the playing area before stepping over the ropes. The replay too, confirms about the same. Excellent piece of athleticism by Plimmer. Saves a certain boundary and keeps it to just a couple.

3.6: Molly Penfold to Yastika Bhatia, Penfold bowls it into the channel of uncertainty, on fourth stump, and angles it away from the southpaw. Yastika Bhatia hangs her bat away from the body without any footwork and gets beaten on the outside edge.

3.5: Molly Penfold to Yastika Bhatia, Good-length delivery at around 106 kph, on middle, Yastika Bhatia gets behind the line and punches it onto the pitch.

3.4: Molly Penfold to Shafali Verma, This one slightly nips back in, on a length, around off, Shafali Verma pulls it off the back foot to the deep mid-wicket region for a single.

3.3: Molly Penfold to Yastika Bhatia, Length, outside off, punched away to deep cover for a single.

3.2: Molly Penfold to Yastika Bhatia, EDGED AND FOUR! Fortuitous boundary for Yastika Bhatia! Molly Penfold hits the hard length, slants it across off, Yastika Bhatia just hangs her bat away from the body to slash it away, goes hard at the shot but ends up getting nicked on the outside edge. The ball flies between the keeper and the third slip for a boundary.

3.1: Molly Penfold to Yastika Bhatia, Overpitched on the stumps, Yastika clears her front leg and punches it straight to mid off.

3.1: Molly Penfold to Yastika Bhatia, WIDE! Angling down leg, on a length, Yastika Bhatia misses to flick it away and the keeper collects it sharply. Wided.

2.6: Jess Kerr to Shafali Verma, FOUR! Gee, a beautiful shot that! Jess Kerr pitches it up, around off, a genuine half-volley on offer. Shafali Verma prods ahead, gets on the top of the ball and drives it through the gap between mid off and cover for a boundary to end the over.

2.5: Jess Kerr to Shafali Verma, Length ball on off, clipped towards the leg side by Verma.

2.4: Jess Kerr to Shafali Verma, FOUR! Nice shot! Pitched up, full and straight on the stumps, Shafali Verma walks a couple of steps ahead, gets her bat underneath the ball and lifts it nicely over mid on for a cracking boundary.

2.3: Jess Kerr to Yastika Bhatia, Yastika gets off the mark. Fuller outside off, this is driven through cover for a single.

2.2: Jess Kerr to Yastika Bhatia, On the length, outside off, cut away straight to cover-point.

Yastika Bhatia is in at number 3.

2.1: Jess Kerr to Smriti Mandhana, OUT! TAKEN! A soft dismissal and New Zealand Women have their first wicket already! Jess Kerr bowls it from over the stumps at a gentle pace, hits the back of a length, just around off. It arrives a bit late onto the batter from the surface. Smriti Mandhana transfers the weight on the back foot and looks to cut it through backward point, but is a bit too early into the shot and just ends up chipping it in the air towards Georgia Plimmer stationed at point who doesn't move an inch and takes a simple catch. India Women lose their skipper very early into the game and all smiles around for the Kiwis.

1.6: Molly Penfold to Shafali Verma, Caught in two minds there, Shafali! Good comeback by Molly! Back of a length, over the top of off, jagging back in a touch, Shafali Verma is caught off guard whether to play on the front foot or commit the shot on the back foot as she looks to play it across, but misses.

1.5: Molly Penfold to Shafali Verma, FOUR! First boundary of the match and the series! Molly Penfold offers just a tinge of width, around off, nipping away, Shafali Verma presses forward, hits through the line of the ball and drives it crisply through covers for a boundary.

1.4: Molly Penfold to Shafali Verma, At a gentle pace, on full and leg, at 105.4 kph, Shafali Verma is early on her flick shot, and plays over the line, and wears on the thigh pad.

1.3: Molly Penfold to Smriti Mandhana, Outside off, on a good length, Smriti rocks back and cuts through cover-point for an easy single.

1.3: Molly Penfold to Smriti Mandhana, WIDE! She will have to reload that one again! Down the leg stump line, on a fuller length, Mandhana misses out to flick it away and the keeper collects it behind the wickets. The umpire stretches arms and signals for a Wide.

1.2: Molly Penfold to Smriti Mandhana, Attacks the pegs, on the back of a length, on off, Smriti Mandhana gets behind the line and punches it solidly off the back foot to the mid off region.

1.1: Molly Penfold to Smriti Mandhana, Starts off with a short-pitched delivery on the leg stump line, Smriti Mandhana hangs back and pulls it to deep square leg where the fielder out in the deep Georgia Plimmer cuts the ball off with a good slide. Keeps it to two.

Who bowls the second over? Pace from the other end as well. Molly Penfold to share the attack.

0.6: Jess Kerr to Smriti Mandhana, On the back of a length, outside off, Mandhana stands tall on the back foot and cuts it past point for a single to end the first over. India Women are 4/0.

0.5: Jess Kerr to Shafali Verma, Straight on the stumps on a fuller length, Shafali leans on and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

0.4: Jess Kerr to Shafali Verma, Full and on the stumps, jammed back to the bowler by Shafali.

0.3: Jess Kerr to Smriti Mandhana, A bit outside off, Mandhana goes back and across as he pushes it through covers for a single to get off the mark.

0.2: Jess Kerr to Smriti Mandhana, Good-length delivery on the middle and off, Mandhana hangs back and cuts it towards cover.

0.1: Jess Kerr to Shafali Verma, India Women and Shafali Verma are underway with a slight hesitation! Kerr shapes the ball into the batter on the fuller length, angling on middle and leg, Verma prods ahead and flicks it wide of mid on where the fielder scoots and dives to her right and intercepts the ball. She is quick to get up and throw to the keeper's end. Mandhana wants the second on the fumble but is ball-watching and not her partner who sends her back on a sharp call and she retreats back in time. They settle for just a single in the end.

Done and dusted with the pre-match formalities and it is now time for the action to begin at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium of Ahmedabad. Fair to say, the sun is scorching out there and we have got a fair bit of crowd on a Thursday afternoon. The two umpires walk out to the middle, and the players of New Zealand Women too, take their respective fielding positions after a brief huddle talk. Out come the two Indian openers - the stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana will be partnered by Shafali Verma. Looks like a beautiful batting track with the average first inning score being 207 here. And it will be Jess Kerr to begin the proceedings with the ball for the Kiwis. Shafali to face the first delivery. And, here we go...

Well then, just a few moments before the commencement of this series opener. But before that, the two set of players are lined up for their respective national anthems. It will be New Zealand's first, followed by the Indian national anthem.

New Zealand Women (Playing XI) - Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Melie Kerr, Sophie Devine (C), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze (WK), Jess Kerr, Molly Penfold, Eden Carson.

India Women (Playing XI) - Smriti Mandhana (C), Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia (WK), Dayalan Hemalatha, Jemimah Rodrigues, Tejal Hasabnis (ON ODI DEBUT), Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Saima Thakor (ON ODI DEBUT), Renuka Singh Thakur.

TOSS - India Women have won the toss and will BAT first. Smriti Mandhana will lead India as Harmanpreet Kaur has been rested due to a slight niggle.