India through to Women's U-19 T20 World Cup final with comprehensive 8-wicket win over New Zealand

India reached the final of the Women's U19 T20 World Cup with an eight-wicket win over New Zealand in Potchefstroom, South Africa on Friday. Spinner Parshavi Chopra's three-wicket haul led the way as New Zealand were restricted to a score of 107/9 after which opener Shweta Shehrawat's half century helped India chase the total down with eight wickets and nearly four overs to spare.

India captain Shafali Verma had won the toss and chosen to bowl first. New Zealand could hardly put a partnership together as India picked wickets at regular intervals. They had lost two within the powerplay and by three by the end of the 10th over however, with a majority of the collapse happening after the first half of the innings was done.

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All Indian bowlers except Sonam Yadav took at least one wicket on Friday. Verma, Archana Devi, Mannaat Kashyap and Titas Sadhu all took a wicket each. No.3 Georgia Plimmer was the highest scorer for New Zealand with 35 runs off 32 balls. In reply the Indians put up a 33-run opening stand in just over three overs. Shehrawat did much of the scoring in the stand and Verma eventually fell for 10 off nine balls in the fourth over to Anna Browning.

Shehrawat continued to score freely with No.3 Soumya Tiwari at the other end and soon crossed fifty for the third time in the tournament. Browning got the second wicket as well for New Zealand with Tiwari falling for a 26-ball 22. That was all as far as success went for New Zealand in the game though. Shehrawat hit a four off the second ball of the 15th over bowled by Browning to complete the chase. She finished unbeaten on 61 off 45 balls. Chopra won player of the match for her figures of 3/20. India will now face either England or Australia in the final on Sunday in Potchefstroom.