New Zealand has a 2-0 lead in the five-match ODI series.

India is 0-2 down after losing the second ODI of the ongoing 5-match series and is failed to open their account on their tour of New Zealand. Despite compiling a strong score of 270 when Mithali Raj won the toss and chose to bat, Indian women were defeated.

After being bowled out for a paltry 213 in pursuit of 276 in the first ODI at the John Davies Oval in Queenstown, Mithali Raj emphasized the importance of scoring more than 270 in New Zealand conditions, which India did on Tuesday despite the continued absence of their star opener Smriti Mandhana, who has been in managed quarantine since arriving in New Zealand a week ago.

However, India struggled to defend 270 in the second ODI due to a lack of effectiveness from their bowling attack, particularly their pacers. Jhulan Goswami, the senior pacer, was rested, while the inexperienced Pooja Vastrakar and Simran Bahadur were unable to bother the New Zealand batsmen.

Defending 270, India got off to a flying start, dismissing New Zealand’s top-order batsmen Sophie Devine (33), Suzie Bates (16), and Amy Satterthwaite (0) within the first 10 overs. All-rounder Ameilia Kerr (119 not out) and Maddy Green (52) batted India out of the game with a 148-run fourth-wicket partnership.

Leg-spinner Poonam Yadav offered India a glimpse of hope when she bowled Green in the 34th over with the score of 183/4, but Amelia Kerr continued to dominate the Indian attack and led New Zealand to victory.

Amelia’s sister Jess Kerr made the winning runs as New Zealand passed 270 with an over and three wickets to spare.

Deepti Sharma took four wickets, but India’s spin attack, which bowled 39 of the 49 overs, lacked penetration for most of the innings.

The two sides will meet in the third One-Day International (ODI), which has now become a must-win for India, on Friday in Queenstown.