NZW vs INDW | Only T20I: New Zealand begin home fixtures on positive note with easy win vs India

Indian women's team suffered a defeat against New Zealand women's team in the only T20I in Queenstown by 18 runs. Chasing 156 in 20 overs, the Indian team was restricted to 137/8 in 20 overs. 

The visitors had a decent start to the chase as openers Yastika Bhatia and Shafali Verma put up 41 runs on the board for the first wicket in less than 7 overs before Bhatia was sent back for 26 off 26 and her departure was followed by a fall of wickets at regular intervals. 

India were were reduced to 120/6 in the 19th over before eventually losing the game. Sabbhineni Meghana top-scored for the side with a 30-ball 37. 

Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, and Hayley Jensen picked up two wickets each for the hosts. 

Earlier, in the day, New Zealand batters did a good job with Bates and Devine putting up 60 runs for the first wicket on the board. They did lose a few wickets in the middle overs but managed to put 155/5 in 20 overs. 

Pooja Vastrakar was the pick of the bowlers for India after she picked up two wickets for 16 runs in 4 overs. 

The two sides will now play a five-match ODI series scheduled to begin on February 12, 2022 in Queenstown.