India women’s tour of New Zealand begins with defeat in the first T20I.

The India women’s tour of New Zealand got off to a rough start on Wednesday, February 9, as Harmanpreet Kaur’s team was beaten by 18 runs in a one-off T20I at Queenstown’s beautiful John Davies Oval. Chasing 156, India only managed 137, falling 18 runs short of the total in a lacklustre performance with both bat and ball against the White Ferns.

India was without their top batter Smriti Mandhana for the one-off T20I, instead of going with Yastika Bhatia and Shafali Verma at the crease. The two openers gave India a great start in the chase, putting up a 41-run partnership in 6.3 overs, but Amelia Kerr damaged the visitors in the first over after the powerplay. Kerr got Bhatia out with a googly that twisted from down the leg, while Shafali Verma was trying for a huge shot and was caught by the deep mid-wicket fielder.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s average run-in international cricket continued as she was dismissed for 12 off 13 balls.

Sabbhineni Meghana, who batted at No. 4, sparked India’s comeback with a 30-ball 37. The middle order of Richa Ghosh (12), Pooja Vastraker (!0), and Shen Rana (6), on the other hand, failed to deliver.

In addition, all-rounder Deepti Sharma played down the order and scored only three runs as India was unable to continue the chase following the good opening stand.

Jess Kerr, who bowled a stunning catch to dismiss skipper Harmanpreet, finished with two wickets, while leg-spinner Amelia concluded with numbers of 2/25. Hayley Jensen also took two wickets, while skipper Sophie Devine and Lea Tahuhu each took one.

Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine had given New Zealand a great start earlier in the day, scoring 60 for the first wicket in just 7.5 overs. Maddy Green (26) and Tahuhu (27) maintained the scoring rate high in the middle overs until Katey Martin easily dispatched Poonam Raut’s last over, bringing New Zealand’s total to 155 for 5 in 20 overs.

Pooja Vastrakar and Deepti Sharma each took two wickets, while the bowling unit made no other significant contributions.

Captain Harmanpreet Singh said that India fell short in the lone T20I, but he believes the squad can improve in the ODI series, which will be played at the same site. Before next month’s 50-over World Cup, India will play 5 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against New Zealand from February 12 to 24.