Newly crowned T20 World Cup champions, New Zealand, are set to host their trans-Tasman rivals, Australia, for a 3-match One-Day International (ODI) series, which is also part of the 2022-23/25 ICC Women’s Championship. The opening match is scheduled for 3:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST), on the 19th of December 2024, at Basin Reserve, Wellington.
Head-to-head:
The Trans-Tasman rivals have clashed in 133 ODIs to date, with Australia maintaining a commanding record of 100 wins against New Zealand’s 31, while two matches ended without a result. New Zealand last held the prestigious Rose Bowl Trophy in 1999, but Australia reclaimed it in the subsequent series and has had an unrelenting grip on it ever since.
Recent form:
Earlier this month, Australia extended their ODI winning streak to seven matches with a commanding 3-0 series sweep over India—the same team that defeated New Zealand 2-1 in their most recent ODI series in October, days after New Zealand’s T20 World Cup triumph. Earlier this year, New Zealand faced back-to-back disappointments in ODIs, losing a home series to England 1-2 before suffering a whitewash in a reciprocal series.
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:
Melie Kerr
The 24-year-old all-rounder, in ODIs, has amassed 2,107 runs from 64 innings, at an average of 43.00, and has scalped 95 wickets from 74 outings, at an economy rate of 4.55, with bests of 232* and 5/17. Four days before this series opener, in a 50-over competition, Melie registered consecutive scores of 108 and 64, alongside bowling returns of 1/39 and 1/28. The seasoned campaigner can be counted on for all-round efforts.
Rosemary Mair
The 26-year-old pacer, from 16 ODI innings, has picked up 8 wickets at an economy rate of 5.18, with the best of 2/21. Rosemary has emerged as a wicket-taker since her recall, picking 10 wickets from 6 T20s at the World Cup, and continued that momentum with returns of 6/25, 3/65, and 1/30 in the One Dayers this domestic season. She can be relied upon for breakthroughs and handy runs lower down the order.
Ellyse Perry
The 34-year-old all-rounder, from 123 ODI innings, has racked up 4,068 runs at an average of 50.22, including the highest score of 112*, while also taking 165 wickets, with the best of 7/22, from 135 outings, maintaining an economy rate of 4.37. In Australia’s recent ODI series against India, Ellyse bowled 7 economical overs and notched up a century between two single digit scores and can be trusted for improved efforts.
Megan Schutt
The 31-year-old pacer, from 94 ODI innings, has bagged 131 wickets, including the best of 5/19, maintaining an economy rate of 4.15, while also being handy with the bat on a few occasions. Megan was a standout for Australia in their recent series against India, producing bowling returns of 5/19, 1/35, and 2/26. In aiding conditions, the veteran pacer can be relied upon to carry the momentum into this series.
Pitch:
The 22 yards at Basin Reserve favor the batters, offering them a friendly surface to bat on. However, the track also benefits the bowlers, particularly the pacers, with ample assistance to exploit, as evidenced by the average score in the 220s.
Weather:
The conditions in Wellington aren’t ideal for cricket, with rain on the radar throughout the day, indicating a washout. The temperature is forecast to hover around 16°C, with strong winds and a humidity level of 87%.
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 19, 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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