NZ women quell India in only T20I

Batting let India down as they suffered an 18-run defeat to hosts New Zealand in the one-off women’s T20 International here on Wednesday. Senior opener and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana did not play and her absence was felt badly as India fell short by 18 runs while chasing 156 for a win.

Brief scores: New Zealand Women 155 for 5 (Bates 36, Devine 31, Tahuhu 27, Vastrakar 2-16, Deepti 2-26) beat India Women 137 for 8 (Meghana 37, Bhatia 26, Amelia 2-25) by 18 runs.

Smriti unlikely to play first ODI

India opener Smriti Mandhana is in extended quarantine in Christchurch along with two other players, making her doubtful for the upcoming fi rst ODI as well. The two sides will begin their five-match ODI contest here on Saturday.