India A kicked off their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 preparations in style, defeating New Zealand by the DLS method in a rain-affected warm-up clash at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2 on Thursday. The victory was highlighted by Shafali Verma’s explosive return to form and a collective bowling performance that dismantled the White Ferns’ top order.
Shafali Verma Leads the Charge with Blazing Knock
After being left out of India’s main World Cup squad, Shafali Verma made a powerful statement with the bat. Opening the chase, she smashed 70 runs off just 49 balls, laced with 11 fours and a six, setting the tone for India A’s innings.
However, a mini-collapse followed with Vrinda Dinesh, Dhara Gujjar, and Tejal Hasabnis departing cheaply, leaving India A struggling at 121/6. Wicketkeeper-batter Mamatha then anchored the chase with an unbeaten 56 off 60 balls, supported by all-rounder Minnu Mani (39* off 53), steering India A to 226/6 in 39.3 overs before rain stopped play — enough to seal the win by DLS.
Izzy Gaze’s Heroics in Vain as New Zealand Falter
New Zealand’s innings was anchored by wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Gaze, who produced a remarkable unbeaten 101 off 100 balls with 15 boundaries and a six, rescuing the White Ferns from a precarious 85/5 to a competitive 273/9.
Earlier, Indian bowlers dominated the top order, dismissing openers Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer cheaply. Skipper Sophie Devine (34) and Maddy Green (30) offered brief resistance, but regular breakthroughs kept New Zealand in check.
For India A, Sayali Satghare was the pick of the bowlers with 3/45, while Minnu Mani, Titas Sadhu, Saima Thakor, Priya Mishra, Tanuja Kanwer, and Prema Rawat chipped in with one wicket each.
Rain Washes Out Other Warm-Ups
Elsewhere, two warm-up games were abandoned due to rain. Bangladesh vs South Africa ended with the Proteas at 45/3, while Sri Lanka vs Pakistan was called off with the hosts at 33/1. Bangladesh will face Sri Lanka next, while South Africa and Pakistan square off in their following fixtures.
What’s Next
India A’s strong showing follows their 2-1 series win against Australia A earlier this year, and they’ll aim to maintain momentum ahead of the main event. New Zealand, meanwhile, will look to bounce back when they face India in their second warm-up on September 27.
Updated Fixtures:
- New Zealand vs India: Saturday, September 27
- Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Saturday, September 27
- South Africa vs Pakistan: Sunday, September 28
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