Indian women thrashed by Kiwis

New Zealand started the World Cup as second favourites behind the all-conquering Aussies. And they justified their billing by cruising to the final on Wednesday at the expense of the lacklustre Indian team.

India rung in many changes in the batting order, but all went abegging as the team managed to get just 117 runs in 45.2 overs at the BIL Oval, Lincoln, near Christchurch, New Zealand.

The only batswoman to make an impression was Purnima Rau who scored 67, more than half her team's runs. The only other batsman to get into double figures was Anju Jain, who made 16.

Throughout their innings, the Indians looked to be in deep trouble against the line and length maintained by the Kiwi bowlers, all of whom ended with flattering bowling figures.

In reply to India's pathetic performance, the Kiwis did more than enough to cruise home in just 26.5 overs. Wicketkeeper R J Rolls got the ball rolling, scoring a quick-fire 23 and setting the scene for captain E C Drumm, who hammered the Indian bowling into oblivion, smashing 47 off 43 deliveries to send her team into the final.

In the final, the Kiwis face their old rivals Australia. The Aussies had defeated South Africa in the first semifinal by a similar nine-wicket margin.

Scoreboard
India:
117 all out (45.2 overs), Purnima Rao 67, Kathryn Ramel, 2/12( 5 overs), Clare Nicholson, 2/15 (8.2 overs)

New Zealand:
121/1 (26.5 overs), A M O'Leary 50, E C Drumm 47

Mail Cricket Editor