Hosts New Zealand face a must-win task in the third and final One-Day International (ODI) of their ongoing series against Australia, following the visitors’ convincing win in the second ODI and the series opener being washed out. The series decider will be played at Basin Reserve, Wellington, on the 23rd of December 2024, starting at 3:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
In the second ODI, Australia, batting first, saw their top order lay solid foundations, while Annabel Sutherland’s record-setting consecutive century, coupled with a handy cameo from Tahlia McGrath, propelled the visitors to a competitive 291/7. With the ball, Australia struck early and in regular format, reducing New Zealand to 111/5. Shortly after, persistent rain halted further play, and Australia secured a 65-run win (DLS method).
Squads:
New Zealand women’s cricket team
Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze (WK), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bella James, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold
Australia women’s cricket team
Alyssa Healy (C), Tahlia McGrath (VC), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Georgia Voll
Players to watch out:
Sophie Devine
The 35-year-old all-rounder, in ODIs, has amassed 3965 runs from 138 outings, at an average of 31.72, and has picked up 105 wickets from 125 innings, at an economy rate of 4.53, with bests of 145 and 3/24. In a recent ODI series, Sophie registered scores of 2, 79, and 9, while also taking four wickets. Though in her most recent outing, the second ODI, she departed for 15 and remained wicketless, she can be counted on for improved efforts.
Eden Carson
The 23-year-old off-spinner, from 12 ODI innings, has taken as many wickets, at an average of 5.02, and recorded the best of 3/31. Eden has been in rewarding form lately and, most recently, in the domestic 50-over competition, took 13 wickets from 6 outings leading up to this series. She claimed a couple of wickets in her most recent outing and four in a recent 3-match ODI series, and can be relied upon to lead the tally, producing breakthroughs.
Beth Mooney
The 30-year-old keeper-batter, from 71 ODI innings, has racked up 2461 runs, at an average of 49.22, and registered the highest score of 133. Beth has continued to be among the runs, recently accumulating 386 runs, at an average of 38.60, from 10 T20s, and in the subsequent ODI series against India, registered scores of 1, 56, and 10. Though she departed for 14 in her most recent outing, she can be trusted to follow up with a big score.
Ashleigh Gardner
The 27-year-old all-rounder, from 51 ODI innings, has accumulated 1050 runs, at a strike rate of 108.35, and from 69 outings has scalped 97 wickets, at an economy rate of 4.12. Ashleigh has struggled with form lately, especially with the bat; however, she has now managed two notable scores of 19 and 50 in her previous outings and has scalped 8 wickets in her last four ODIs. The seasoned all-rounder can be banked upon for the goods.
Pitch:
Basin Reserve offers a good batting deck, with an average score in the 260s. However, the wicket poses a challenge for batters due to its lively nature, particularly early on against pacers, while spinners also remain in the game throughout.
Weather:
Wellington promises pleasant conditions for cricket, with bright, clear skies overhead. The temperature will hover around 20°C, with moderate winds and a humidity level of 78%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Suzie Bates, Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Melie Kerr, Ashleigh Gardner, Sophie Devine, Annabel Sutherland, Megan Schutt, Rosemary Mair
Match details:
Date – December 23, 2024
Time – 3:30 AM IST
Venue – Basin Reserve, Wellington
Broadcast – The game will live streamed on Sony Liv and telecasted on Sony Sports Network.
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