India Triumphs Over White Ferns in World Cup Warm-Up Match

The New Zealand White Ferns faced their second consecutive defeat in the lead-up to the World Cup, losing to India by four wickets in a warm-up match held in Bengaluru on March 15, 2024. The match was affected by rain, resulting in a reduced format of 42 overs per side.

New Zealand elected to bat first, managing to score 232 runs for the loss of eight wickets. Captain Sophie Devine played a pivotal role in the innings, scoring a solid 54 runs. She was well-supported by Amelia Kerr, who contributed 40 runs, and Maddy Green, who finished unbeaten on 49. The Indian bowlers, particularly left-arm spinner Shree Charani, made an impact, with Charani taking three wickets and restricting the flow of runs.

In response, India began their chase with confidence. Harleen Deol led the charge, scoring 74 runs before retiring, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur added 69 runs, setting the stage for a successful pursuit. Despite experiencing a late collapse that saw them lose four quick wickets, the hosts managed to reach their target with eight balls remaining.

Bree Illing stood out for New Zealand in the bowling department, taking two wickets, a feat matched by Jess Kerr. Illing’s performance, however, was not enough to prevent the defeat.

After the match, Green acknowledged the positives in the team’s performance despite the loss. She stated, “Disappointing not to get over the line, but the encouraging thing is we’re seeing some really good signs from the squad. Sophie batted brilliantly, and Breezy’s spell was excellent. We’re looking forward to our first game against Australia.”

This match follows New Zealand’s earlier defeat to India A in their initial warm-up fixture. The White Ferns now shift their focus to their upcoming World Cup opener against Australia, scheduled to take place in Indore. As the tournament approaches, the team will look to build on the lessons learned from these warm-up matches.