India’s women’s cricket team rounded off their final warm-up match before the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup with a commanding victory over New Zealand, signaling strong form and renewed confidence ahead of the tournament. The match, played in Indore, showcased India’s depth in both batting and bowling, with standout performances from Harleen Deol and Arundhati Reddy contributing significantly to the team’s dominant display.
Batting first, India posted a competitive total, thanks largely to Harleen Deol’s composed innings of 74 runs. Deol’s knock was a blend of patience and aggression, enabling India to build a steady foundation while accelerating the scoring rate when opportunities arose. Her crisp stroke play, timing, and ability to find gaps consistently frustrated the New Zealand bowlers, particularly during the middle overs, and allowed India to post a total that would challenge their opponents. The innings also featured valuable contributions from the middle order, who supported Deol and ensured that India finished with momentum heading into the second innings.
On the bowling front, Arundhati Reddy, returning from a recent injury, made a notable impact with figures of 2 for 42. Her performance highlighted both her fitness and her skill in generating movement off the pitch, proving crucial in restricting New Zealand’s chase. Reddy’s comeback provides India with an additional pace option, adding balance and variety to the bowling attack. Other bowlers complemented her effort by maintaining tight lines and varying their pace, ensuring that New Zealand’s batters struggled to build partnerships and sustain momentum.
New Zealand’s innings, despite showing early promise, faltered under pressure from India’s disciplined bowling unit. The visitors were unable to establish significant partnerships, with wickets falling at regular intervals. India’s fielding was sharp throughout the match, saving crucial runs and converting half-chances into key dismissals, underscoring the team’s overall preparedness and focus ahead of the main tournament.
The warm-up win not only provided India with valuable match practice but also reinforced belief within the squad. Captain Suryakumar Yadav and the coaching staff have emphasized the importance of momentum, adaptability, and confidence going into the World Cup, and the dominant performance against a quality New Zealand side serves as a positive indicator. The team’s ability to execute plans, manage pressure situations, and integrate players returning from injury demonstrates depth and resilience.
Analysts noted that India’s balanced approach in both departments—batting and bowling—positions them well for the competitive group stage. Harleen Deol’s consistency and Arundhati Reddy’s fitness return add to the strategic options available, making India a formidable side capable of challenging any opposition.
As the Women’s World Cup approaches, India’s players will aim to carry this confidence forward, using the momentum from their warm-up victories to make a strong impact in the tournament. The final warm-up match win against New Zealand underscores that India is entering the competition not just prepared, but also with a firm belief in their ability to compete and succeed at the highest level.
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