India became the first team to reach the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on Thursday as they earned a nail-biting four-run win over New Zealand. A quickfire 46 from teenage prodigy Shafali Verma and superb bowling from the spinners ensured India maintained their unbeaten streak, despite a batting collapse.
New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine won the toss at Melbourne’s Junction Oval and opted to bowl with her team restricting India to 133/8 after Verma gave them a strong start, with three sixes and four fours off her 34 balls. The four-pronged spin attack then restricted the storied New Zealand top order with regular wickets.
Also read: Women’s T20 World Cup points table after India’s win against New Zealand
A swashbuckling late charge by Amelia Kerr gave the White Ferns some hope, but a sharp final over from Shikha Pandey left them at 129/6.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to India’s semi-final charge:
Shafali Verma the star
A word on the other players
New Zealand came close
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