The White Ferns have completed their preparation for the ICC Women’s World Cup with a four wicket win over India in their warm-up match in Sri Lanka.
Being played at Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo, the White Ferns were led by captain Suzie Bates as they successfully chased down India’s first innings total of 100 in 18.1overs.
New Zealand’s pursuit was hampered early by the dismissal of Amy Satterthwaite for four. However in the very next over Bates gave her side the momentum by striking four boundaries in succession.
She lost her next partner Sophie Devine for four, before forming a valuable partnership with Frances Mackay. The pair put on 45 for the third wicket, before Bates was retired for 51.
Her innings came off just 39 balls and included six fours and a six.
Mackay too retired, having played a sensible innings of 21 to ensure the result for her side. A couple of late wickets fell, before Sara McGlashan (13*) and Lucy Doolan (2*) finished it off for the White Ferns with 11 balls remaining.
Ekta Bisht was the standout bowler for India with figures of three for six off three overs.
Earlier, India had opted to bat first and got off to a quick start against the New Zealand bowling attack. After five overs the batting side were well on top at 39 without loss, before Sian Ruck made the crucial break though to see the end of Poonam Raut for nine.
Captain Mihali Raj (1) went soon after and India’s run-rate quickly slowed. Opener Amita Sharma was undone by Erin Birmingham for 36 in the 11th over and New Zealand now had their opposition 57 for three.
A fourth wicket partnership of 25 gave some hope to India, before two quick wickets from Frances Mackay initiated a collapse.
The last five batsmen to fall contributed just 11 runs to the total, as India was dismissed for 100 after 19.4 overs.
Mackay was the pick of the bowlers for the White Ferns, picking up three wickets in three overs for 13 runs. Devine had two wickets to her name, while the other four were shared amongst the bowlers.
The White Ferns will next play on Wednesday against West Indies when they open their campaign.
