New Zealand Dominated Despite Radha Yadav's Heroics
The New Zealand Women out-played India by 76 runs in the second ODI to level the series along with crucial Women's Championship points, thereby increasing the possibilities of qualifying for the ICC World Cup. India also provided a good all-round performance as that of Radha Yadav, but it was too small to make a match-winning difference against New Zealand's 260-run score.
Sophie Devine Rocks as New Zealand sets up 260-run Target
New Zealand's captain Sophie Devine was pivotal in setting up a competitive total of 259. With Suzie Bates's fifty supporting her, New Zealand faced a challenging phase and finally accelerated in the last overs.
The bowlers of New Zealand, led by Lea Tahuhu and Jess Kerr, dug out India to 26 for 3 within five overs. Smriti Mandhana's early duck, followed by quick scalps of Shafali Verma and Yastika Bhatia set the tone.
India's Chase Falters Early
Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues then tried to steady the innings with 38 runs, but both were caught by the accurate bowling of Devine. Radha Yadav, batting at No. 9, brought India back into the match by scoring 48 and also with a 70-run stand with Saima Thakor. But India couldn't be saved from its all-around collapse to 183, 76 runs short of the target.
Radha Yadav All-Around Show Steals the Spotlight
Radha Yadav was a class apart even when India went down with the defeat. She did not only take the two stunning catches but was also the most effective for India with 4 for 69 runs. From No. 9 Yadav scored 48 in the innings and it emerged to be the highest made by India in the innings where she showcased all-rounded brilliance on the tough day of the team.
A steady approach of New Zealand pays off
Earlier, New Zealand had rested its innings on two major partnerships. Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer were in a good combination by contributing 87 runs to the first wicket. Suzie Bates, scoring 58, was backed well by Devine's captain's knock. It also got late runs through Maddy Green as the game ended well with the addition of 55 runs to the last six overs.
Despite India's staying power in the field, mainly through Radha's catches and Saima Thakor's consistent bowling, New Zealand's total proved too much to chase.
With inputs from agencies
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