Kiwi lower order helps team draw level

Cramp-constricted Thirushkamini’s valiant 61 goes in vain for the host

Sophie Devine top-scored for New Zealand with 33 and anchored the chase in the middle overs. Photo: G.P. Sampath Kumar

New Zealand scored at a relatively frenetic rate but India bagged regular wickets and the match hung in the balance. But the visitor’s tail wagged furiously and that proved decisive as New Zealand defeated the host by three wickets in the second ODI of the five-match series at the Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Wednesday.

Chasing India’s 163, New Zealand finished with 164 for seven in 44.2 overs to draw level at 1-1.

If India’s innings was largely about nudging the scoring rate from 2 to ‘3-plus’ an over, New Zealand sprinted away, chugging at 5 in the first 10 overs. However, India remained in contention as wickets were snared with Jhulan Goswami castling New Zealand captain Suzie Bates.

The blend of big hits and dismissals continued as Rachel Priest clattered five fours but she and Maddy Green fell off successive deliveries to spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad. Sophie Devine (33) then hoisted Sneh Rana for a six before skipper Mithali Raj’s throw left Amy Satterthwalte stranded. Devine and Kate Perkins kept the pursuit on track until succumbing to Ekta Bisht.

India sensed an opportunity when Jhulan cleaned up Kate Broadmore and the score was 132 for seven in 37.2 overs. But in Leigh Kasperek (17 n.o.) and No. 9 Anna Peterson (23 n.o.), New Zealand found the women who mattered.

Electing to bat, India thrived on opener Thirushkamini’s 61 and a late flourish from Harmanpreet Kaur (31) and Ekta (18 n.o.). Thirushkamini took her time to settle and enjoyed a lucky streak when Devine dropped her on five. Unfortunately for Thirushkamini, the rest of the top-order — Smriti Mandanna, Mithali and Poonam Raut — failed.

Thirushkamini, though, continued unhindered. She drove the spinners on either side while Bates tried in vain to curtail. A bout of cramps forced Thirushkamini to hobble away when on 59 and New Zealand immediately prised out three wickets for just 17.

The opener returned but lasted a mere four balls as Bates (three for 21) lured an edge and it was left to Harmanpreet and Ekta to biff as India went past the 150-mark.