Down demolition as New Zealand show World Cup credentials

SCORECARD

Still needing 128 from inside 20 overs, Down compiled a 52-ball 64 not out, hitting a six from the first ball of the last over to seal the victory.

Down was complimented by Katey Martin (35) and Frankie McKay (17 not out from 12 balls), recovering from 171/6 to complete the unlikely chase.

It's New Zealand's highest successful chase in Women's ODI history and second-highest overall.

Earlier, New Zealand's attack of India's 279 was brought to a crashing halt after the loss of Amy Satterthwaite (59) and Amelia Kerr, who put on 103 for the third wicket, recovering from the loss of Sophie Devine (0) and Suzie Bates (5).

Despite Jhulan Goswami continuing to bowl with the world-class quality shown in last year's tour of Australia in claiming 3/47, Down, a peripheral figure in the group, stood tall.

Earlier, India made an electrifying start with the bat after losing the toss, racing to 86/0 at the ten-over mark thanks largely to Sabbhineni Meghana, who registered her first ODI fifty in just 33 balls.

Falling one short of reaching her first fifty earlier in the series, Meghana hit nine fours and two sixes in her 61 from just 41 deliveries.

Meghana was accompanied by Shafali Verma, who made a fifty of her own, though the hosts pulled back their opposition through both canny bowling a professional fielding effort in the middle overs.

Rosemary Mair (2/43 off 10 overs) caused headaches in the middle overs for India, who after their brilliant start lost a host of wickets, failing to build on the platform set by the opening pair.

Mair and Hannah Rowe (2/52) combined in the middle overs to remove Yastika Bhatia (19) and Mithali Raj (23) respectively, with the smart work of Frankie Mackay bringing the downfall of Harmanpreet Kaur, catching the right-hander out of her ground with a smart return throw.

India's hard work early looked to be for nought, though the innings was resurrected by Deepti Sharma, who played with a mix of power and measure alongside the lower order to post an imposing target.

Sharma hit seven boundaries and a six in her run-a-ball knock of 69*, with Sneh Rana the only player at No.7 or below to reach double figures. Sharma dominated the strike to churn out every possible run, only losing the last partner of Renuka Singh in the final over.

New Zealand's chase took several multi-wicket blows throughout the innings, though Down showed calm alongside an experienced lower order, putting on 76 with Martin and 33 with Mackay.

The teams meet again on Tuesday.