New Zealand scored a three-wicket win against India while world champions Australia defeated England to register their first win in the round robin league, in the Quadrangular women's international limited overs tournament in Chennai on Sunday.
Electing to bat, India were dismissed for 201 in 49.2 overs by New Zealand who made short work of the target making 202 in 47.1 overs losing seven wickets. This was India's first defeat in the tournament.
Australia defeated England by six wickets in 39.5 overs to open their account with five points (including one bonus point) after losing their earlier matches to India and New Zealand.
Australia's victory was made possible by Lisa Sthalekar, a player of Indian origin, who scored her third 50 plus score in as many matches. She made a fine unbeaten 85 to continue her good run with the bat, having earlier made 87 against India and 65 against New Zealand.
India crumbled against the Kiwi attack as they were reduced to 52 for 4 in the 17th over before Hemalata Kala rescued the hosts with a fine knock of 65. She added 86 for the fifth wicket with debutant Thirush Kamini (37) to help India cross the 200-run mark.
Though, fast bowler Jhulan Goswami bowled well to claim four wickets in her quota of ten overs conceding 26 runs, the other Indian bowlers failed and the Kiwis maintained a steady run rate before winning the match without much ado.
For New Zealand, Maria Fahey (59) and Sara McGlashan (55) scored half-centuries as New Zealand reached the victory target with 17 balls to spare.
Scorecard:
India Women: 201 all out in 49.2 overs (Hemalata Kala 65, Thirush Kamini 37, S Tsukigawa 3-33)
New Zealand Women: 202 for 7 in 47.1 overs (Maria Fahey (59), Sara McGlashan (55), Jhulan Goswami 4-26)
Result: New Zealand won by 3 wickets
