Three lowest defended scores in Women’s World Cup

There are many teams that are too good when it comes to defending, but only a few of the teams have registered their names in the history books. In this piece, we have shortlisted the top three teams that have a commendable record of defending a score in the Women’s World Cups.

3. New Zealand vs International XI (January 21, 1982)

New Zealand skipper Trish McKelvey after winning the toss against International XI opted to bat first in a group stage match being played in Palmerston North, New Zealand. Opener Barb Bevege played a dashing knock of 80 runs, while stroking ten boundaries in the process for the home side. Opening the innings with her Skipper McKelvey also chipped in with a score of 26 runs. However, none of the other batters for the home side got going as they ended up on 177 runs after losing eight wickets in their allotted 60 overs.

In reply, International XI openers tried to put up a fight as they reached the score of 30 before skipper Lynne Thomas was run out 16. Chris Miller, the other opener, also followed the suit as she was run out after scoring 21 runs. None of other batters, except Jenny Owens (13), managed to reach double digits as they were bundled out for 80 runs.

2. Australia vs India (January 8, 1978)

Hosts India were taking on Australia in a group stage match of the Women’s World Cup being played in Patna. Winning the toss, India decided to field first. In a combined bowling effort, the hosts managed to restrict Australia at 150/8. For the visitors, Sharon Ann Tredrea was the highest run-scorer in the match playing a knock of 56 runs.

India had a steady start in their chase with both openers Fowzieh Khalili and Shobha Pandit stitching a partnership of 31 runs for the first wicket. However, they slumped from 31/0 to 79 all-out, handing Australia victory by 71 runs.

1. New Zealand vs India (January 14, 1982)

New Zealand women’s cricket team holds the record of successfully defending the lowest score of 80 runs against India back in 1982. Played in Auckland, New Zealand skipper Trish McKelvey won the toss and opted to bat first. Her decision was being proved right as the home side reached a total of 33 runs without losing any wicket. However, as soon as opener Barb Bevege departed at a score of 12, a collapse followed with the white ferns bowing out for just 80 runs playing 58.5 overs in the process. Diana Edulji was the pick of the bowlers for India as she scalped three wickets giving away only 10 runs.

In reply, Team India never looked comfortable in their chase as they lost wickets one after another, before being bowled out at a score of 37. India didn’t have any answers for leg-spinner Jackie Lord as she took six wickets in eight overs she bowled. The bowler only spent ten runs in her quota.