India’s hope of making to the final of the ICC's women cricket World Cup suffered a huge setback on Tuesday (17th March) after they lost to New Zealand by five wickets in the Super Six stage at the Sydney North Oval. The match was dominated by the all round performance of New Zealand 's opener Kate Pulford who hit 71 runs off 89 balls and also picked up two wickets. She was also adjudged Player of the Match.

 

Opting to bat first, India made a slow start as New Zealand medium-pacers bowled a disciplined line. But half-centuries from Anjum Chopra (51) and Reema Malhotra (59 not out) helped India to put a challenging total on board. Reema’s 52-ball quickfire innings was studded with eight boundaries. She got good support from the tail-enders Amita Sharma (14) and Harmanpreet Kaur (13).

 

Chasing a target of 208, Pulford and captain Haidee Tiffen made a 78-run opening partnership and laid the foundation of New Zeland's victory. Indian women fielded very poorly, dropping some crucial catches and missing run out chances. New Zealand easily achieved the target of 208 runs in 47.4 overs with five wickets in hand.

 

After the loss, India dropped from the second spot to fourth but enjoy a better run rate than New Zealand. India can now make it to the final only if they beat West Indies, New Zealand go down to Pakistan, and Australia loses to England.