Hosts England are slated to lock horns against New Zealand in the 2nd Twenty20 International (T20I) of the ongoing 5-match series on the 9th of July 2024. The game will be played at County Ground, Hove, and live action commences at 11:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
England – Heather Knight (C), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Linsey Smith, Danielle Wyatt
New Zealand – Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze (WK), Maddy Green, Mikaela Greig, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe
Players to watch out:
Danielle Wyatt
The 33-year-old opening batter, from 136 T20I innings, has amassed 2802 runs, including the highest of 124, striking at 128.29, and also has 46 wickets to her name. Danielle didn’t score many runs in the 2024 T20 season, however, has managed consecutive T20I scores of 87 and 76, with the latter coming in the T20I opener in this series. Time and again, she has stepped up with a big knock and can be counted on for another good innings.
Linsey Smith
The 29-year-old left-arm off-spinner, from 12 T20Is, has scalped 15 wickets, including the best of 3/16, maintaining an economy rate of 6.46. Fresh off a T20 season where she secured 13 wickets from 10 innings at an economy rate of 4.92, she produced figures of 1/26 in the T20I opener of this series. It’ll be hoped that she extends this form, following up with a match-winning spell.
Suzie Bates
The 36-year-old opening batter, from 155 T20I innings, has piled on 4274 runs at an average of 29.88 and a strike rate of 109.05. She has registered the best of 124* and has also been handy with the ball, taking 58 wickets. Following starts of 16 and 24 from the ODIs on this tour, with a solid 43 in the T20I opener, it’ll be expected that Suzie capitalizes on this form and produces a big knock.
Lea Tahuhu
The 33-year-old pacer, maintaining an economy rate of 6.16, has claimed 83 wickets from 84 T20I outings, with the best being 4/6, and can also be handy with the bat on a few occasions. In the T20I opener, Lea added 17 runs to the tally while also returning bowling figures of 2/33. She is a seasoned campaigner and can be banked upon to step up, delivering the goods.
Pitch:
The 22-yard center strip at the Hove County Ground is favorable for batting, with an average score in the 150s. However, bowlers, pacers in particular, can make an impact on the game, posing a challenge to the batters.
Weather:
While the temperature is forecasted to be around 17°C, with humidity at 91%, light winds, and a high chance of rain, expect delayed starts and interruptions during match hours if the skies don’t clear.
Fantasy playing XI:
Amy Jones, Maia Bouchier, Danielle Wyatt, Sophia Dunkley, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Melie Kerr, Sophie Devine, Danielle Gibson, Charlie Dean, Hannah Rowe, Sophie Ecclestone
Match details:
Date – July 9, 2024
Time – 11:00 PM IST
Venue – County Ground, Hove
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.