WT20 WC 2023 | SA-W vs NZ-W: Preview, Pitch Report, Probable XI, Prediction
South Africa Women are set to lock horns with Sophie Devine-led New Zealand in Game 7 of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 on 13 February. Having lost their opening matches, this encounter is vital from both teams' perspectives in their quest to reach the semi-finals.
The Proteas walked into the trap set by Sri Lankan spinners and came short of the target by three runs in their tournament opener. Alternatively, the White Ferns were humbled by their Aussie counterparts by 97 runs, with Ashleigh Gardner’s off-breaks being the chief destroyer.
While the White Ferns enjoy a healthy 10-2 lead in the head-to-head T20I record, they will not have it easy against the hosts. A lot will depend on the opening pair of senior batters, Suzie Bates and Devine. The duo could not add a single run to the scoreboard against Australia, which stalled their chasing efforts. Additionally, the middle and lower middle order needs to take more responsibility if New Zealand wish to keep their hopes alive.
In Dane van Niekerk’s absence, the hosts require inspiration to make a turnaround. Can the likes of Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp come all guns blazing with the bat? Amelia Kerr will pose a threat to this Sune Luus’s team, which had surrendered before the Sri Lankan spin prowess.
Match Details
Date and Time: February 13, 2023, 10:30 PM IST
Venue: Boland Park, Paarl
Live Telecast and Streaming: Star Sports Network and Disney+Hotstar
Pitch Report
The two matches played at Boland Park in Paarl in this World Cup depicted enough purchase for wily spinners. The team winning the toss would look to bat first and then take advantage of the slowness of the pitch.
Predicted Playing XI
While both the teams had a shocker in the opening game, they would not like to press the panic button and usher in multiple changes. Therefore, expect them to back their first-choice XI in an all-important encounter.
South Africa Women: Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus (c), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Marizanne Kapp, Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba
New Zealand Women: Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Bernadine Bezuidenhout (wk), Amelia Kerr, Maddy Green, Hannah Rowe, Hayley Jensen, Lea Tahuhu, Jess Kerr, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas
Prediction
One can expect a close encounter between two struggling teams in Group A, with New Zealand holding an edge due to the overall record.
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