New Zealand, Australia, and India registered comfortable victories against South Africa, England, and the West Indies respectively on the second day of warm-up matches for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
India began the warm-up with a victory of 20 runs over West Indies. The West Indies initially put pressure on India by dismissing the top three batters during the Powerplay, where captain Hayley Matthews with 4/17 was the significant destroyer as she took crucial wickets of Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana in consecutive overs.
Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia repaired the innings with an important 50-run partnership. Rodrigues starred with a well-compiled half-century, making 52 off 40 balls, laced with five fours. Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar belted some runs at the fag end to take India past the 140-run mark.
While chasing, West Indies suffered a similar fate, losing three quick wickets, including that of Matthews. Shimaine Campbelle, with two boundaries off 38 balls, was acting sedately along with Chinelle Henry in a 57-run partnership. But India didn’t take much time to turn things around, securing three wickets in just seven balls. Asha Sobhana gave the breakthrough on 1/7, Deepti Sharma came with two quick wickets on 2/11, and the West Indies were set back at 71/6. Henry also fought hard, and the West Indies folded over for 121/8, with him being unbeaten on 59. Pooja Vastrakar stood out with figures of 3/20.
New Zealand vs. South Africa
Amelia Kerr shone brightly as New Zealand convincingly beat South Africa in the match. Amelia also played an excellent all-round game, returning figures of 3/13. Leigh Kasperek ably supported her with 3/7 as South Africa managed a mere 92 runs in the game. Captain Laura Wolvaardt was the top run-getter with 33 runs for South Africa.
New Zealand replied by losing Suzie Bates early but chased down the target with ease. Kerr opened and made 37 runs. Captain Sophie Devine finished unbeaten on 35, guiding New Zealand to a thumping eight-wicket win.
Australia vs. England
A half-century of high quality from Beth Mooney and also an all-round solid display from Tahlia McGrath saw Australia pip England. Mooney made 50 off 30 balls, laced with seven fours. Ash Gardner gave her good support with 21 runs as Australia posted 162/6.
Additionally, chasing, England was off to a brisk start, but Australia managed wickets early. Alice Capsey 40 and Nat Sciver-Brunt 12 brief, consolidated for England before they lost both batters in quick succession. McGrath capped off her game with 3/18 as Australia won by 34 runs.
ANI
