WATCH: Richa Ghosh’ dropped dolly chance headlines India’s miserable start to Women’s T20 World Cup

Team India started their Women’s T20 World Cup with a 58-run loss to New Zealand. It is a huge blow for Harmanpreet Kaur and her team. Richa Ghosh who is playing her first ever ICC event had a day to forget with the gloves. Her dropped chance gave Suzie Bates and New Zealand a huge slice of luck during the early part of the game. 

The incident happened in the fourth ball of the sixth over. Arundhati Reddy bowled a slower ball that Suzie Bates tried to hit out of the park. The batter couldn’t time the ball well as Richa Ghosh was circling under the ball. India’s wicketkeeper made a mess of the catch and dropped the easiest of chances. 

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A massive controversy took place during the game. Team India were left angry after umpires called a dead ball after there was a runout that took place. Amelia Kerr was run out while trying to go for a 2nd run. Team India whipped off the bails but the umpires gave the batter another chance as the over was already called. 

Also Read: Harmanpreet Kaur opens up about India's horrible defeat in opener game against New Zealand

New Zealand snap losing run to demolish Team India 

The Kiwis came into the game having lost their last ten T20I matches. Sophie Devine won the toss and chose to bat first. Bates and Plimmer gave the Kiwis a good start by adding 67 for the opening wicket in 7.4 overs. Arundhati Reddy gave India the 1st wicket when Bates was caught by Shreyanka Patil for 27. 

Plimmer batted well to score 34 before falling to Asha Shobana. Her knock came off 23 balls with 3 fours and a six. New Zealand skipper was the best batter for her team with 57 not out from 36 balls with 7 fours. The Kiwis posted a mammoth 160 on the board as the pressure was on team India. 

Eden Carson struck first as she took an easy return catch to dismiss Shafali Varma for 2. The Kiwis maintained constant pressure on India as wickets fell like nine pines. Harmanpreet Kaur was the best batter with 15 runs while Smriti Mandhana scored 12. Rosemary Mair was the best bowler for the Kiwis with 4/19 from her 4 overs.