NZ-W vs IND-W: Top 5 performers from ODI Series

Hosts New Zealand will head into the Women’s World Cup 2022 with great confidence, having defeated India 1-4 in their last ODI assignment. The Women in Blue struggled largely in the series and many loopholes in the side were exposed. Hence, it will be interesting to see how Mithali Raj’s team performs are the mega event. As far as the Kiwis are concerned, they would like to continue their winning run.

Speaking of how the series panned out, India did look competitive at times. However, their inability to capitalize on opportunities cost them the series. As a result, the hosts won four of their first five games. Nonetheless, India managed to salvage their pride in the final game and avoided a whitewash.

Meanwhile, let’s look at the Top 5 performers from IND-W vs NZ-W ODI Series:

Amelia Kerr

The next big thing in New Zealand cricket, Amelia Kerr was at her all-round best in the series. The 21-year-old made her bat talk in the series and her leg-break bowling also troubled the visiting team. Coming to bat at number three, Kerr hardly faced any trouble against Indian bowler as she ended the series as the highest run-scorer with 353 runs. She also took seven wickets.

Mithali Raj

The Indian skipper continued to produce consistent performances with the bat. Raj led from the front and made New Zealand bowlers work hard throughout the series. In fact, she played a vital role in India’s only win in the series, having scored an unbeaten 57 in the last ODI. Overall, she scored 235 runs.

Suzie Bates

Veteran all-rounder Suzie Bates was also instrumental in New Zealand’s stellar show. The opener was aggressive in her approach as Indian bowlers had a hard time in the powerplay overs. Bates even slammed a century in the opening ODI. The 34-year-old 185 runs in total with her strike rate being over 100.

Deepti Sharma

Another all-rounder who did well in the series is Deepti Sharma.  While the off-spinner took regular wickets throughout the series, the dasher also scored handy runs lower down the order. In fact, her tally of 10 wickets is the highest for any bowler in the series. The 24-year-old also scored 116 runs.

Jess Kerr

Despite missing a couple of matches, Jess Kerr finished as New Zealand’s joint-highest wicket-taker in the series, alongside Amelia Kerr, with seven scalps. The right-arm pacer was brilliant with the new ball and also did well in the backend of the innings. She will certainly be a vital part of New Zealand’s bowling attack in the Women’s World Cup.