The Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Super Six stage witnessed a thrilling low-scoring match as New Zealand edged out the USA by 18 runs in Bangi. Despite a sensational five-wicket haul by USA’s offspinner Ritu Singh, New Zealand’s disciplined bowling effort sealed the win in the final overs.
New Zealand Struggles with the Bat
Opting to bat first, New Zealand struggled to gain momentum and were bowled out for just 97 runs. The USA’s star performer, Ritu Singh, wreaked havoc, claiming 5 for 15 in 3.5 overs, including three top-order wickets and two crucial dismissals in the final over.
The Kiwi batting lineup couldn’t capitalize on their starts, with no batter crossing the 25-run mark. Some notable contributions included:
- Kate Irwin (15 off 18) and Emma McLeod put up a solid 32-run opening stand.
- Hannah Francis (25 off 33) and Rishika Jaiswal (17 off 27) added a valuable 34-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
However, Ritu’s devastating spell restricted New Zealand to a below-par score, giving USA a real chance to pull off an upset.
USA’s Chase Falls Short
Chasing a modest target of 98, USA got off to a shaky start, losing opener Chetna Pagydyala for a golden duck in the second over. However, Disha Dhingra provided some stability with a well-compiled 30 off 24 balls.
Unfortunately for USA:
- Anika Tauwhare dismissed Dhingra in the seventh over, sparking a collapse.
- Ritu Singh contributed 14 runs, but a run-out in the 13th over further derailed the chase.
- New Zealand bowlers, led by Jaiswal and Irwin, took two wickets each, bundling out USA for 79 runs in 18 overs.
The USA suffered a dramatic lower-order collapse, going from 73 for 5 to 79 all out, handing New Zealand a crucial victory.
England vs Nigeria Abandoned Due to Rain
In other news, the highly anticipated clash between England and Nigeria was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain. This result has added further intrigue to the tournament’s Super Six standings.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Ritu Singh’s Outstanding Performance:
- Her 5 for 15 is one of the standout spells of the tournament so far.
- She single-handedly kept USA in the contest with both bat and ball.
- New Zealand’s Resilience:
- Despite a modest total, their bowlers showed exceptional skill under pressure.
- USA’s Collapse:
- The lack of support for Disha Dhingra and Ritu Singh proved costly.
- Weather Disruptions:
- Rain played spoilsport in the England vs Nigeria game, impacting the Super Six schedule.
FAQs
Q: Who was the standout player of the match between New Zealand and USA?
A: Ritu Singh was the standout player with a brilliant five-wicket haul (5 for 15) and a crucial 14-run contribution with the bat.
Q: What was the target set by New Zealand for the USA?
A: New Zealand set a target of 98 runs, scoring 97 all out in 19.5 overs.
Q: Why was the England vs Nigeria match abandoned?
A: The match was abandoned due to persistent rain, with no play possible.
Q: What’s next for the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup?
A: The tournament progresses with more Super Six matches determining the teams for the knockout stages.
Final Thought
While Ritu Singh’s exceptional spell gave USA hope, New Zealand’s all-round effort secured them a much-needed victory in the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Super Six stage. As the tournament heats up, all eyes are on the upcoming fixtures to see which teams make it to the knockouts.
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