AUS-W vs NZ-W: Preview, Prediction, Probable XI, Live Streaming
Beth Mooney and Tahlia McGrath [Source: Twitter]
The 3rd match of the ICC T20 Women's World Cup will see a clash between the defending champions and another favourites of cricket New Zealand at Boland Park in Paarl.
Being the defending champions, Australia have a huge legacy to live upto. The Australian squad is a star-studded nightmare for the opposition. The team is filled with mighty hard-hitting all-rounders who have proved to be lethal on more occasions than several occasions. Ashleigh Gardener is coming off of a great season and is at her prime. Not to mention, the most successful captain in Women's Cricket Meg Lanning is making her return.
On the other hand, New Zealand has landed in South Africa with a fairly young squad. Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates are heading the batting lineup. The inclusion of Amelia Kerr at number 3 has made the squad even more dangerous. The bowling unit is also somewhat young and inexperienced. But if World Cup history is witness to something then it is that young squads can come in and clinch the title.
Australia and New Zealand have faced each other recently although Australia has won the match in four out of five occasions.
Probable XI
Australia: Alyssa Healy (wk), Beth Mooney, Meg Lanning (c), Grace Harris, Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardner, Megan Schutt, Jess Jonassen, Darcie Brown, and Alana King.
New Zealand: Bernadine Bezuidenhout (wk), Suzie Bates, Lauren Down, Gerogia Plimmer, Sophie Devine (c)J, Maddy Green, Amelia Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, Jess Kerr, Hannah Rowe, and Hayley Jensen.
Match Details
Date & Time: February 11, 10:30 PM IST
Venue: Boland Park, Paarl
Live Telecast & Streaming: Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar
Key Players
Meg Lanning: The most successful captain in Women's cricket is making a return after a mental-health break. She is a dangerous batter but most importantly knows just how to lead a team in an ICC tournament.
Beth Mooney: The batter is in her prime, recently awarded the ICC ODI Player of the year, Mooney is coming in red hot.
Amelia Kerr: The young gun from New Zealand has made the Kiwi lineup that much more formidable. Her entry at number 3 is enough to send shivers down a bowler's spine.
Prediction
With the kind of power-packed squad the Aussie women are bringing in, Australia is one of the strongest teams in the tournament. And I am placing my bets on the Australian team to clinch the match.
 "Gargi Raut")
