New Zealand women open tour with sound display
New Zealand's spin bowlers had a good work out on the first day of their two-day match against the WCAI XI at Mumbai
Lynn McConnell
24-Nov-2003
Close New Zealand 59 for 2 (K Martin 26*, M Lewis 25*) trail WCAI XI 108 (M Mabin 38, M Kanoija 24*, N Scripps 3-8, R Steele 2-9, A Mason 2-26, L Milliken 2-29)
New Zealand's spin bowlers had a good work out on the first day of their two-day match against the WCAI XI at Mumbai. The Indians were confined to 108 runs off the 72 overs they faced.
New Zealand struggled in the hot conditions and were fortunate that the only players to report in unwell before play were those who weren't in the XI, Anna Corbin and Kate Pulford. Maia Lewis, the New Zealand captain, won the toss and asked the WCAI XI to bat first. The WCAI XI contained three players who are in the national team: Mamta Mabin, Jaya Sharma and Anjum Chopra.
Mabin top-scored with 38, which came in 181 minutes off 144 balls. The only other player to make more than 10 was Mamta Kanoija, who came in at No. 9 and was unbeaten on 24 off 101 balls.
Natalee Scripps made a fine start to the tour by taking three wickets for eight runs, utilising the swing that was available as the WCAI XI slumped to 14 for 3. However, the effort came at a cost to Scripps who succumbed to the heat and was unable to bowl again during the day.
Louise Milliken got two lbw decisions as her reward for some accurate bowling, while Aimee Mason, the offspinner, and Rebecca Steele, the left-arm spinner, each took two wickets. Steele continued the promise she showed at the end of last season by conceding only nine runs in her 16.3 overs, while Mason was barely conceding a run an over during her spell.
New Zealand then lost two quick wickets as Michelle Lynch battled for 44 minutes suffering a bad head cold. However, Katey Martin played confidently, and was joined by Maia Lewis as 36 runs were added to round off a sound day for the New Zealanders.