(Cricket news) India lost their 2nd World Cup game against New Zealand by 62 runs. Their net run rate has taken a big hit and it may well come down to that in the later stages. It was once again India's batting that let them down big time after a decent bowling performance. Mithali Raj won the toss and put New Zealand into bat first which raised a few eyebrows.
New Zealand managed to get to 260 in their 50 overs thanks to half-centuries by Amelia Kerr and Amy Satterthwaite. India recovered very well towards the back end of the innings. Pooja Vastrakar was the star of the show as she picked up 4 wickets and inflicted a run-out. Rajeshwari Gayakwad also bowled well and picked up 2 wickets while Jhulan Goswami and Deepti Sharma got a scalp each. India bowled well in patches but once again leaked too many runs at the start.
261 was definitely chase-able but the Indian top order got off to a disastrous start. Smriti Mandhana, Yastika Bhatia, Deepti Sharma, Mithali Raj and Richa Ghosh all failed to get going and the required run rate kept shooting up. Harmanpreet Kaur also started very slow and didn't take on the bowling despite the required rate shooting up to 10 an over. She did however start playing her shots after reaching her 50 but soon perished. Amelia Kerr and Lea Tahuhu picked up 3 wickets while Hayley Jensen got 2. Jess Kerr and Hannah Rowe also chipped in with 1 each.
India's batting is a big concern and things need to change quickly if they want to make it to the semi finals. Harmanpreet Kaur played a decent innings of 71 off 63 balls but started firing a little too late. Her own position is in jeopardy which is why she may have been reluctant to attack before her 50. The vice captain getting back in form is a very good sign but the top order needs to turn up. Shafali Verma may be recalled in the next game while it could be time to push Deepti Sharma down the order. They only have a day's rest before they face the West Indies who have won both their games so far.
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