New Zealand ride on Devine fireworks, beat India

Bengaluru, July 11 - A half-century by opener Sophie Devine (70, 22b, 5x4, 8x6) propelled visiting New Zealand to an eight-wicket victory against India in the first of the three women's Twenty20 Internationals here on Saturday.

India's modest total of 125 all out in 19.5 overs proved an easy target for the White Ferns who rode on Devine's big-hitting and 89-run partnership for the second wicket with Amy Satterthwaite (39 not out, 35b, 3x4, 2x6) as the visitors made 126/2 in just 12.3 overs to take a 1-0 lead.

The Indian innings was rather disappointing, especially after the hosts had won the ODI series 3-2 only a few days ago, courtesy some solid batting.

On Saturday, however, only skipper Mithali Raj (35, 23b, 6x4), who opened the innings, stood up to the Kiwi onslaught as seamer Morna Nielsen and left-arm spinner Kate Broadmore took three wickets apiece while off-spinner Leigh Kasperek came away with two.

The New Zealand reply began on the wrong foot as they lost opener Rachel Priest in the very first over. But thereafter, it was a one-way street as Devine plundered the Indian attack in the company of Satterthwaite.

Brief scores: India 125 all out in 19.5 overs (Mithali Raj 35, Morna Nielsen 3/30, Ken Broadmore 3/16, Leigh Kasperek 2/18) lost to New Zealand 126/2 in 12.2 overs (Sophie Devine 70, Amy Satterthwaite 39 not out).

(IANS)