da dobrowin： India set up their very first World Cup final by defeating the holders New Zealand by 40 runs at Potchefstroom
The Bulletin by Jenny Thompson07-Apr-2005
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out
India’s captain Mithali Raj steered her team into their first World Cup final with a blazing 91 not out© Getty Images
India romped into their first World Cup final with a convincing 40-run win against the holders New Zealand. They will now face Australia in a repeat of the men’s, but will be hoping for a different outcome on Sunday. For now, though, they are celebrating their historic victory, which was set up by Mithali Raj’s unbeaten 91. Anjum Chopra also contributed 44 as India blistered their way to a towering total of 204 for 6 that proved more than enough.Maia Lewis sent India in, expecting a traditional collapse from India’s sometimes self-destructive batsmen. It never came. After losing two early wickets, Chopra and Raj steadied the ship and added 66 for the third wicket. The captain Raj was in imperious form with some silky strokes and her strong leadership was just what was needed. She and Chopra showed their initiative in going over the top, although such enterprise nearly cost Chopra early when on 21 – Rachel Pullar spilled a simple chance at long-on, one of several missed opportunities in a poor display from New Zealand.Pullar atoned with four wickets, but overall New Zealand’s outfielding was woeful. They were careless in the field, turning singles into fours and spilling chances, while India took theirs to post a decent total – and nothing could halt Raj’s charge. Chopra eventually tried one aerial shot too far – Nicola Browne ignored the overbearing mood to hold a magnificent diving catch at mid-off -but Raj continued undaunted as she led India to their highest total in the tournament to date.New Zealand’s reply got off to a dreadful start as they lost two quick wickets for 13 runs. Aimee Mason was the first to fall to a direct hit from Jaya Sharma, then Amita Sharma removed Rebecca Rolls’ middle stump with a perfect yorker. They never recovered from there. But the next casualty was Indian: Raj hobbled off after spraining her right knee sliding at mid-off. She now has an anxious wait to see if she can recover in time for Sunday, although she has vowed to play through whatever pain she is suffering.But today the pain was New Zealand’s. Nooshin Al Khader was the next to strike, picking up two wickets in her first over to remove Maia Lewis and Haidee Tiffen and place New Zealand in firm trouble. Maria Fahey began to rebuild and she went on to an unbeaten 73, but hers was a lone stand and the result was never in doubt, as India’s bowlers completed the task and the mountain proved unconquerable.How they were outIndia
Attempted to guide through mid-wicket, but sent leading edge to cover
Edged to second slip after chasing wideish one of decent length
Slapped high to mid-off for an excellent diving catch to the right
Feathered outside edge through after pushing at a straight one
Spooned easy catch to mid-off
Hit high to backward point for a good catchNew Zealand
Removed by direct hit after chancing a risky run
Given no chance by inch-perfect yorker which set middle stump cartwheeling
Left inches out of crease after quick glove-work behind the stumps
Sent tame edge to first slip
Flapped and missed at a bamboozling delivery
Looped the ball back to the bowler
Trapped plumb by straight one
Blinding two-handed return catch, scooped low
Missed one which moved away: Jain’s quick glovework did the rest
Clean bowled by straight one and threw her bat in a huff