Jhulan fifty leads India to 17-run win over New Zealand eves

All-rounder Jhulan Goswami struck a gritty fifty before the bowlers defended a low score to help India beat New Zealand by 17 runs in the first of the five-match ODI series here on Sunday and gather two crucial points in their bid to qualify for the 2017 Women’s World Cup.Electing to bat at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Mithali Raj-led side lost wickets at regular intervals, but Jhulan struck a defiant 57 off 67 deliveries to help the hosts to 142 all out in 44.3 overs.

Even though Jhulan has struck two half-centuries in Test cricket, this was the former captain’s maiden ODI fifty, which was laced by six fours and a six. Kiwi medium-pacer lea Tahuhu and debutant off-spinner leigh Kasperek bagged three wickets apiece.But the New Zealand batswomen also faltered against a disciplined Indian attack led by off-spinner Sneh Rana, who picked up three wickets, as the visitors crashed to 125 all out in 45.3 overs.

Brief Scores

India Women: 142 (Jhulan Goswami 57; lea Tahuhu 3/25, Morna Nielsen 3-24) beat New Zealand Women: 125 (Bates 28, Devine 24; Rana 3/26) by 17 runs.