IND v NZ, ICC WWC 2009, Super 6: Kiwis shatter India’s final hopes in Women World Cup
Mar 17, 2009
New Zealand inched closer to the Women Cricket World Cup final with a five-wicket win over India in the Super Six stage here at the North Sydney Oval on Tuesday.
Batting first, India were all out for 207 in 49.4 overs. They reached their second 200-plus total of the tournament only after Anjum Chopra (52) and Mithali Raj (21) pulled them out of trouble.
Chopra and Raj put on 36 runs but only at three an over. It was left to the lower order to provide some push and Reema Malhotra did just that with a quickfire maiden half-century. She remained unbeaten on 59, got good support from the tail, adding 27 at more than five an over with Amita Sharma (14 off 16) and 44 at more than nine an over with Harmanpreet Kaur (13 off 16).
However, the New Zealand medium-pacers, Nicola Browne and Bates, bowled very well with accurate line and length to keep India’s scoring rate down.
The target of 208 was competitive but Kate Pulford set up the chase with an 89-ball 71 and a nerveless Suzie Bates (47 not out) saw them through after the Indian spinners had struck with quick wickets.
The 78-run opening partnership between Pulford and Haidee Tiffen - their first half-century stand of the tournament - put New Zealand on the course of victory.
IND v NZ, ICC WWC 2009, Super 6: New Zealand Women 210-5 (47.4 overs) beat India Women 207 (49.4 overs) by 5 wickets
