| Women’s cricket: India lose to Kiwis

Queenstown: The misery of the Indian women’s cricket team continues in New Zealand. India lost the fourth match of the five-match ODI series. Mithali Raj’s captaincy led India to a 64-run victory in the match which was cut short by 20 overs due to rain.

The Kiwis lost the toss and opted to bat, scoring 191 for five. Chasing a huge target, India were all out for 128 in 17.5 overs. Amelia Kher hit 68 not out off 33 balls, including 11 fours and a six. Susie Bates (41), Captain Sophie Divine (32) and Amy Satterwhite (32) were the standout performers. Renuka Singh, who took two wickets, shone among the Indian bowlers.

In reply, only three batsmen scored two runs for India. Wicketkeeper-batsman Richa Ghosh was the top scorer with 52 runs. Mithali Raj (30) and Smriti Manthana (13) were the only other batsmen to reach the double. India had earlier lost the first three matches of the series. Tomorrow is the fifth and final match.