Harmanpreet Kaur's counter-attacking 60-ball 70 went in vain as India fell short by 62 runs against New Zealand in their second Women's World Cup match at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Thursday.
Chasing a tricky 261-run target, India kept losing wickets at regular intervals and reduced to 97-5 in the 30 Overs. Captain Mithali Raj tried to keep one end intact but failed to keep the required run-rate in check. In the end, it was Harmanpreet's counter-attacking innings that gave India a glimmer of hope. But Amelia Kerr ended Kaur's innings as the Indian batter was looking to hit every ball out of the park to keep up with the asking rate. Jhulan Goswami tried to steer the innings with some big hits but it was too late as India were finally bundled out for 198 runs inside 47 Overs.
Earlier, Karr's 50 runs and Maddy Green's 75 runs powered New Zealand to 260-9 in 50 Overs. Indian bowlers stopped the Kiwis' surge in the death overs and leaked only 38 Overs in the last 8 Overs, taking 5 wickets.
India will play their third match of the tournament on March 12 against West Indies at Seddon Park, Hamilton. Earlier India defeated Pakistan in their World Cup opener.