Bristol, June 25: India lost their second match of the Natwest Women’s T20 quadrangular series to New Zealand by 25 runs at Clifton College Close Ground.
Opting to bowl first, India had New Zealand tottering at 28 runs for the loss of four wickets but could not tighten their hold over the opposition after. India skipper Jhulan Goswami claimed two wickets, while Snehal Pradhan and Amita Sharma picked a wicket each.
Coming in at No. 4, Liz Perry salvaged the NZ innings with an unbeaten 48 runs off 41 balls. She was ably supported by Katey Martin (29 runs) and Nicola Browne (22* runs).
Chasing a modest 126 runs to win, India were able to only score 100 in 20 overs for the loss of seven wickets. Mithali Raj, India’s key batsman, scored 24 while Amita Sharma top-scored for India with 26 runs. Pacer Browne picked the wickets of opener Poonam Raut and Harmanpreet Kaur while Suzie Bates claimed the key wicket of Raj.
India will now play England on Sunday, June 26.
Brief scores: New Zealand 125/5 in 20 overs (Liz Perry 48, Katey Martin 29, Jhulan Goswami 2/18) beat India 100/7 in 20 overs (Amita Sharma 26, N Browne 2/17) by 25 runs
Player-of-the-match: Liz Perry for her match-winning innings of 48 not out
