India crush Netherlands by 95 runs as Mandhana and Verma shine

LONDON: India registered a commanding 95-run win over the Netherlands in the Women’s T20 World Cup on Wednesday, powered by a dominant opening stand from Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma at Headingley in Leeds.

Mandhana and Verma put together 115 for the first wicket to lay the platform for India’s 209-5. Mandhana struck 74 off 47 balls, hitting 11 fours and a six, while Verma made 55 and found the boundary 10 times during an aggressive innings at the top of the order.

The size of India’s total left the Netherlands facing a steep chase from the outset. Dutch captain Babette de Leede top-scored for her side with 28, but India stayed in control throughout. Verma, after her contribution with the bat, also took three wickets, while Sree Charani claimed four wickets in her four overs to seal a one-sided result.

The victory gave India back-to-back wins to begin their campaign in England after they had opened the tournament by defeating Pakistan.

Australia beat Bangladesh by nine wickets

In the day’s other match, Australia eased past Bangladesh by nine wickets at Headingley to make it two wins from two matches in the competition.

Bangladesh were restricted to 77-8 from their 20 overs, with Sophie Molineux, Kim Garth and Ellyse Perry taking two wickets each. Australia then chased down the target comfortably, reaching 78 for the loss of one wicket with more than 10 overs remaining.

Georgia Voll led the chase with an unbeaten 45 off 32 balls, an innings that included six fours and a six. Australia had begun their tournament with a 65-run win over South Africa on Saturday, while Bangladesh had beaten the Netherlands in their opening fixture.

Sciver-Brunt ruled out of next two matches

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of the team’s next two matches after scans confirmed a calf muscle strain.

Sciver-Brunt, who had only recently returned from a torn calf muscle, retired hurt on 48 during England’s four-wicket win over Ireland in Southampton on Tuesday. According to the update reported on Wednesday, the 33-year-old will miss England’s upcoming matches against Scotland and the West Indies.