New Zealand Women bounced back in style with a 76-run win over India in the second ODI in Ahmedabad on October 27, setting up an exciting series decider. Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu starred for the visitors, with Bates anchoring a solid 259-run total and Tahuhu delivering a decisive bowling performance.
After India’s strong bowling in the first ODI, New Zealand countered with a powerful response. Bates and Georgia Palmer laid the foundation with an 87-run opening stand, setting a brisk scoring pace. Bates’s steady innings, combined with Palmer’s aggressive play, propelled New Zealand to a challenging target. Middle-order contributions added further depth to the score line, testing India’s batting.
India struggled in their chase, with early setbacks as Smriti Mandhana departed for a duck and Jemimah Rodrigues followed soon after. Radha Yadav stood out with a resilient 48 and an earlier 4/69 with the ball, but her efforts couldn’t prevent a collapse against Tahuhu’s impressive 3/42 spell.
This victory lifts New Zealand’s spirits as they head into the final match on October 29, where both teams will fight to clinch the series. While New Zealand demonstrated their depth and resilience, India faces added pressure to rebound on home soil after recent setbacks, with a series win essential to boost morale. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown in Ahmedabad.