Following England’s stunning escape for a win in the 1st One Day International (ODI) of the three-match series, hosts New Zealand face a must-win in the 2nd ODI, scheduled for 3:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST), on the 4th of April, 2024, at Seddon Park, Hamilton.
Squads:
New Zealand – Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu
England – Heather Knight (C), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt
Players to watch out:
Georgia Plimmer
The 20-year-old batter hasn’t scored many runs in ODI cricket; however, in the ’23/24 domestic season, she amassed 278 runs from 9 One Day matches, averaging 30.88. Georgia has consistently managed starts this series, including the ODI opener, and she’ll be backed to build on these scores, notching up a significant one.
Jess Kerr
The 26-year-old pacer in ODIs, from 29 innings, has claimed 38 wickets and from 23 innings added 192 runs to the tally. Jess has been consistently economical in this series but hasn’t taken many wickets. However, she returned amongst the wickets in the ODI opener and it’ll be hoped that she capitalizes on this return to form.
Nat Sciver-Brunt
The 31-year-old all-rounder, from 90 outings, has racked up 3414 runs at an average of 46.13, while also bagging 69 wickets from 88 ODI innings. Though Nat departed for 12 in the 1st ODI, she has been striking the ball well and can be relied upon for the goods, as she continues to be effective with the ball.
Lauren Bell
The 23-year-old pacer has picked up 17 wickets from 9 ODIs, maintaining an economy rate of 6.06 and recording the best of 4/33. Lauren was in outstanding form in the Twenty20 Internationals, and continuing on the momentum, she returned figures of 3/41 in the ODI opener. She’ll be counted on to carry this form.
Pitch:
With an average score in the 240s, the 22 yards at Seddon Park make up a well-balanced center wicket that offers a fair contest between bat and ball. While batters find delight in the wicket, bowlers, particularly pacers, benefit from the seaming conditions.
Weather:
Despite cloudy overhead, the chances of rain are minimal, and the forecast promises a complete game of cricket in Hamilton. The temperature is forecasted to hover around 18°C, with light winds, and humidity at 76%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Suzie Bates, Maddy Green, Georgia Plimmer, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell, Charlie Dean
Match details:
Date – April 04, 2024
Time – 3:30 AM IST
Venue – Seddon Park, Hamilton
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on Amazon Prime Video.