Cricket

After the disappointing loss in the first ODI, the New Zealand women's cricket team bounced back with a strong performance in the second match, posting a competitive total of 259 for nine. Skipper Sophie Devine led from the front, scoring a superb 79 off 86 balls, making up for her bizarre run-out in the previous game. She was ably supported by Suzie Bates, who contributed 58 off 70 balls, and Georgia Plimmer, who added 41 off 50 balls.The middle order also chipped in with valuable contributions. Maddy Green played a fine knock of 42 off 41 balls, while Amelia Kerr added 28 off 32 balls. The Indian bowlers struggled to contain the New Zealand batters, with Radha Yadav being the most successful with four wickets for 69 runs. However, it was her brilliant fielding that caught the eye, as she pulled off a stunning catch to dismiss Bates.Deepti Sharma also bowled tidily, taking two for 30 from 10 overs, while the other bowlers conceded runs at an economy rate of around five or more. India's chase got off to a shaky start, as they lost Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma cheaply. Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur steadied the innings with a 50-run partnership, but both fell in quick succession.Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma then put on a 40-run stand, but the Indian innings faltered after Ghosh's dismissal. India eventually fell short by 30 runs, with Radha Yadav remaining unbeaten on 25. The New Zealand bowlers shared the wickets, with Jess Kerr and Hayley Jensen taking two each.The victory gives New Zealand a 1-1 draw in the three-match ODI series. The final match will be played on October 29, with India needing a win to clinch the series.

New Zealand cricket legend Suzie Bates has joined the Hobart Hurricanes for the latter stages of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL). The 37-year-old all-rounder, who has played over 100 WBBL matches for three different teams, was not selected in this year's draft.Bates' signing comes as a replacement for England's Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who is expected to join her national team for a tour of South Africa. Wyatt-Hodge's departure would have left a significant void in the Hurricanes' lineup, but Bates' experience and versatility will help fill that gap.With 167 T20I appearances to her name, Bates is one of the most experienced players in the world. She is also the all-time leading run-scorer in women's T20Is, with over 3,000 runs to her credit.Hurricanes general manager Salliann Beams expressed her delight at Bates' signing, saying, "Bringing Suzie into our WBBL squad just made sense. She provides more than 130 games of T20I cricket and will give us an experienced operator when we lose someone of Danni's ability in our line-up."Bates will join a Hurricanes squad that already boasts international stars Chloe Tryon and Lizelle Lee. The team will be hoping to make a deep run in the WBBL playoffs, and Bates' addition will undoubtedly boost their chances.

Suzie Bates, the former New Zealand captain, believes that the team's recent 3-0 defeat to Australia in the lead-up to the Women's T20 World Cup will have no impact on their upcoming clash on Tuesday. Both teams have recorded emphatic victories in their opening matches, with New Zealand crushing India by 58 runs and Australia dominating Sri Lanka by six wickets.Bates acknowledges that New Zealand's loss to Australia was due to the team still finding its best combination and adjusting to different conditions. However, she emphasizes that both sides likely held back some strategies and that the upcoming match will be a true test of their abilities.New Zealand's victory over India was particularly impressive, given their recent struggles in T20I cricket. Bates attributes this success to the team's meticulous planning and the effectiveness of their spinners, led by Eden Carson. With conditions in Sharjah expected to favor spinners, New Zealand may consider fielding Leigh Kasperek and Fran Jonas.Bates expresses confidence in New Zealand's chances against Australia, despite their historical struggles against the team. She highlights the team's familiarity with the Australian players and their boosted confidence after the India win. New Zealand has also benefited from three warm-up matches against Australia, which have provided valuable insights into their opponents' strengths and weaknesses.While the team has been focused on preparation, Bates emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between work and relaxation. Several players recently attended an NBA game in Abu Dhabi, while others enjoyed time at the beach. Bates believes that these activities help the team stay refreshed and focused when it matters most.

New Zealand's women's cricket team has received a major boost with the return of fast bowler Rosemary Mair for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Mair, who missed the recent home series against England due to a back injury, will bolster a pace attack that already includes experienced campaigners Lea Tahuhu, Jess Kerr, Hannah Rowe, and Molly Penfold.The return of Mair, who has 18 wickets in 24 T20Is, adds depth to New Zealand's bowling options. She will be joined by all-rounders Suzie Bates and Brooke Halliday, who can also contribute with the ball. The spin department will be led by Leigh Kasperek, Melie Kerr, Fran Jonas, and Eden Carson.Captain Sophie Devine and Bates will be making their ninth T20 World Cup appearance, a testament to their longevity and experience in the international arena. The squad also includes wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Gaze, who will be making her World Cup debut."I'm really pleased with this squad; I think these are our best 15 players to adapt to what will likely be varied conditions," said New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer. "Soph [Devine] and Suze [Bates] have a huge amount of tournament experience from World Cups to franchise leagues, so we'll certainly be leaning on that knowledge in what's going to be a pretty intense competition."New Zealand will face a tough challenge in the World Cup, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates from October 4-14. They have been drawn in Group A alongside India, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.Before the World Cup, New Zealand will tour Australia for three T20Is in September. They will also play warm-up games against South Africa and England before the start of the tournament proper.The T20 World Cup will be Devine's last assignment as New Zealand's T20I captain. She has led the team to numerous successes, including the 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medal and the 2020 T20 World Cup final.