Batting first, India's innings was built on steady contributions from the middle order. While they didn't post an imposing score, they managed to put up a total that their bowlers knew they could defend if they played disciplined cricket.
In response, New Zealand’s chase was methodical, but the Indian bowlers kept a tight leash on the scoring rate throughout the innings. As the match progressed, the pressure began to build on the White Ferns, who struggled to find the boundaries needed to keep up with the required run rate. The Indian fielding was sharp, and the bowlers executed their plans to perfection, especially in the death overs.
With the match hanging in the balance in the final over, India’s bowlers delivered a masterclass in pressure handling. They successfully contained the New Zealand batters, preventing them from hitting the winning runs and securing a narrow but well-deserved victory.
This win is a significant momentum-booster for India in the tournament, proving their ability to perform under the high-stakes pressure of a World Cup. For New Zealand, it's a tough pill to swallow, but they will regroup and look to bounce back in their upcoming matches.
