T20I: Indian eves register consolation win over New Zealand

Bengaluru, July 15: The series already out of their hands, Indian women defeated New Zealand women by three wickets to register a consolation win in the third and final Twenty20 International cricket match, here today.

The win in the final T20 gave Indian eves something to cheer about after having already lost the series 2-1 to New Zealand following defeats in the first two games.

Opting to bowl, India women restricted New Zealand women to a mediocre 126 for eight and then chased down the target with an over to spare, making 128 for the loss of seven wickets.

For New Zealand, opener Suzie Bates top-scored with 34, followed by double digit scores from skipper Sophie Devine (18), Kate Broadmore (15 not out), Rachel Priest (14), Natalie Dodd (14) and Maddie Green (10).

Left-arm orthodox Rajeshwari Gayakwad (was the pick of the Indian bowlers with figures of 3/17, while Poonam Yadav (2/16) and Ekta Bisht (2/23) shared four wickets between them.

Chasing the modest score, Indian rode on a 19-ball 34 from Veda Krishnamurthy and good contributions from Vellaswamy Vanitha (28) and Anuja Patil (22) to overwhelm target with an over to spare.

Devine (2/13), Leigh Kasperek (2/20) and Broadmore (2/25) picked up two wickets apiece for the visitors.

Brief scores: New Zealand 126/8 in 20 overs (Suzie Bates 34; Ekta Bisht 2/23, Rajeshwari Gayakwad 3/17, Poonam Yadav 2/16) lost to India 128/7 in 19 overs (Vanitha Vellaswamy 28, Veda Krishnamurthy 34, Anuja Patil 22; Leigh Kasperek 2/20, Katie Bradmore 2/25).

PTI