ICC Women's World Cup: Mithali Raj, Veda Krishnamurthy guide India to 265 vs NZ

Derby: Indian skipper Mithali Raj’s ton (109 off 123 balls) and Veda Krishnamurthy’s quickfire 70 from 45 balls guided India to 265/7 in a must-win encounter against New Zealand at the County Ground in Derby on Saturday.

New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl. Suzie Bates’ decision to put India in to bat first was justified by Lea Tahuhu and Hannah Rowe as they dismissed Punam Raut (4) and Smriti Mandhana (13) respectively. India were 21/2 when Harmanpreet Kaur joined Raj in the middle.

While Kaur had struggled with the bat throughout the tournament, she came good when India needed it as she and Raj stitched 132-run partnership before the former was dismissed by Leigh Kasperek for 60 off 90 balls. India were dealt with another blow as Rowe removed Deepti Sharma without allowing the Indian to open her account.

However, New Zealand’s plans to run through the Indian middle order were dashed as Veda Krishnamurthy counterattacked, with Raj continuing to play sheet anchor’s role from the other end.

While Veda dismantled the New Zealanders, hitting big shots at will, Raj brought up her sixth ODI hundred. The two put up 108-run stand in just 78 balls before both of them were dismissed in the final over.