NZW v INDW

India in search of first win on tour of New Zealand

NZW v INDW

New Zealand vs India, second ODI
John Davies Oval, Queenstown
15 February, 11:00 Local

With less than three weeks to go for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, India and the White Ferns will be looking to get into the groove for the marquee event.

New Zealand have won two matches out of two on the tour so far without breaking much of a sweat. Suzie Bates has been the star of the show with the bat, with 36 in the one-off T20I and a hundred in the first ODI. The White Ferns will want to continue their good form and build momentum going into the World Cup at home.

On the other hand, it hasn't been smooth sailing for India so far on the tour. In both the matches so far, the batters have looked off-colour and have stumbled in their chase. India will be hoping for the return of Smriti Mandhana, Meghna Singh, and Renuka Singh, all of whom are currently in New Zealand government's MIQ (Managed Isolation and Quarantine) facility and have missed the first two games on tour.

Though both teams will be keen on winning the series, they will also be keen to test their bench strength in the remaining games. India, more importantly, will be hoping the squad familiarise themselves with the conditions in preparation for the World Cup.

Remember the last time

Put in to bat first by India, New Zealand posted a total of 275 on the back of a splendid century from Suzie Bates. She was well supported by Maddy Green, Amelia Kerr and finally Amy Satterthwaite, whose 63 off 67 helped the White Ferns put on a solid total even as India fought back in the death overs.

India were left to play catch up after losing the openers in the Powerplay. Yastika Bhatia and Mithali Raj did consolidate with an 88-run stand for the third wicket but eventually fell to the pressure of the required run rate. The lower order did provide some resistance but only delayed the inevitable as India fell short by 62 runs.

Jess Kerr starred with the ball for New Zealand with a four-for, first breaking the back of the Indian innings with the wickets of Mithali and Harmanpreet Kaur before cleaning up the last two batters.

What they said

India captain Mithali Raj after the loss in the first ODI:"We should be able to score 270 because that's the standard now in Women's cricket. We are missing Smriti Mandhana and having an experienced batter in the side helps to chase a big target but it's an opportunity for the others in the side to sort of show their game. We need to have a certain run-rate to maintain through the innings, so were able to score at least around 250 or 270 whether we bat first or chase."

White Ferns batter Suzie Bates after winning the Player of the Match in the first ODI: "Last summer the group was disappointed with how we started. We want to make sure we compete in every game throughout this series and leading into to the World Cup. Proud of the way the team stood up but we have to keep the momentum going."