World Cup Warm-ups: India beat South Africa, Pakistan surprise New Zealand and Australia brush West Indies aside

Akash Ghosh

27 Feb 2022 00:00 IST

New Update

World Cup Warm-ups: India beat South Africa, Pakistan surprise New Zealand and Australia brush West Indies aside — India and Pakistan © Getty Images

With just about a week to go for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 in New Zealand, six teams played each other in three warm-up matches across the country. Here is a wrap of all the matches:

India vs South Africa, Rangiora - India won by two runs

After a lot of confusion, it was finally revealed that India had won the match by just two runs. As a matter of fact, the match had gone down to the wire, with the Proteas taking the game deep in the runchase of 245, which was set by India, on the back of a century by Harmanpreet Kaur.

Earlier in the day, India opener Smriti Mandhana suffered a blow on the helmet, which saw her retire hurt after being in a state of shock due to the incident. Her opening partner for the day, Yastika Bhatia, played a well-compelled innings of 58. Kaur, on the other hand, ended with 114 from 119 balls, showing further signs of her improved form after the match-winning knock of fifty against New Zealand in the last ODI. India ended with 244 for 9. For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka picked up three wickets.

The Proteas got a decent start from opener Laura Wolvaardt despite the side losing two early wickets. Wolvaardt eventually made 83 from 95 balls, helping her side stay in the race for the run chase. Captain Sune Luus also played a crucial knock of 86 from 98 balls, while Marizanne Kapp scored 31 runs from 39 balls. However, a dramatic last over saw Rajeshwari Gayakwad dismiss Luus and Chloe Tryon as the Proteas fell short by just two runs.

ALSO READ: Should Harmanpreet Kaur bat at no. 4 for India in World Cup 2022?

New Zealand vs Pakistan, Lincoln - Pakistan won by four wickets

Pakistan managed to catch the hosts New Zealand off guard, winning the warm-up match by four wickets. Earlier in the day, New Zealand lost both their openers in quick succession, but their innings was resurrected by Amy Sattherthwaite, who made 80 off 85 balls, and Maddy Green, who made 58 off 69 balls. At one point, they were 142 for 2 in 26 overs, but Pakistan managed to come back strongly, getting six wickets for the next 30 runs.

Beyond that, the hosts managed to stage a bit of a comeback with Jess Kerr making 34 off 27 balls. Her contributions saw her side finish with 229 all-out in 45 overs. Nashra Sandhu was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, taking four wickets.

Pakistan were never in front in the run chase but the contributions from Sidra Ameen (34), Omaima Sohail (31) and Bismah Maroof (28) kept them in the game. Eventually, the match-turning partnership came from Nida Dar, who scored 54 from 59 balls, and Aliya Riaz, who scored 62 runs from 52 balls. Riaz stayed unbeaten, hitting the winning runs and helping her team to a positive start in their campaign. Kerr also starred with the ball, picking up two scalps on a day her sister, Amelia, was rested.

Australia vs West Indies, Lincoln - Australia won by 90 runs

The Australian team had a good outing in Lincoln as they overcame the West Indies team, getting quite an easy win in the end. Batting first, Australia managed to compile a good score of 259 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs. Ellyse Perry scored 62 runs from 77 balls, while Tahlia McGrath also contributed with 40. Annabel Sutherland played a crucial hand in the end, adding 54 runs from just 37 balls. Skipper Stafanie Taylor was the pick of the bowlers for West Indies with her three-fer.

Perry, Sutherland and McGrath managed to deliver with the ball as well, picking up two wickets each, while Alana King also got a brace. Together, they managed to avoid whatever threat the West Indies team could have posed. Taylor scored 66 runs, but that was pretty much it for the West Indies side, which finished on 169 for 9 in their 50 overs.

India New Zealand Australia West Indies Pakistan South Africa