The three-match ODI series between England Women and New Zealand Women has already delivered a thrilling contest, and with England holding a narrow 1-0 lead after their dramatic one-wicket victory in Chester-le-Street, the spotlight now shifts to Northampton for the second ODI.
New Zealand may have ended on the losing side in the opener, but there were several positives for the White Ferns, especially through the performances of experienced campaigners and match-winners who nearly carried them to victory. As the visitors look to level the series and keep their hopes alive, much will depend on senior stars stepping up once again under pressure. Among those, Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, and Rosemary Mair stand out as the biggest players to watch heading into this crucial clash.
Suzie Bates
Few cricketers in women’s cricket bring the same level of composure, experience, and class as Suzie Bates. Although the veteran opener managed only 6 runs in the first ODI before falling early to Lauren Filer, her importance to New Zealand’s batting line-up remains immense. Bates has scored 5970 runs in 173 ODI innings with her highest score being 168, along with 13 centuries and 37 half-centuries. Her ability to anchor innings while also accelerating when required gives New Zealand flexibility at the top. The first ODI exposed how vulnerable the White Ferns can look when Bates departs cheaply, especially after they slipped to 42/2 inside the opening phase. She has the technique to absorb pressure early and the experience to counter England’s disciplined new-ball attack. With New Zealand now facing a must-win encounter, expect Bates to approach this game with greater intent and determination.
Amelia Kerr
If there was one player who truly looked in control for New Zealand during the opening ODI, it was captain Amelia Kerr. Leading from the front, Kerr crafted a composed 55 off 82 deliveries and stitched together a crucial 100-run partnership with Maddy Green after the early dismissals of Bates and Georgia Plimmer. Her innings was built on maturity, strike rotation, and intelligent shot selection rather than reckless aggression, which allowed New Zealand to recover from a difficult position and eventually cross the 200-run mark. Kerr’s influence did not end with the bat, either. She also picked up two important wickets (2/52) in England’s chase, including the prized scalp of Maia Bouchier, who was threatening to take the game away from New Zealand. Kerr has scored 2714 runs in 78 innings and picked up 128 wickets. Her ability to contribute in every department makes her New Zealand’s biggest match-winner heading into the second ODI.
Rosemary Mair
Among New Zealand’s bowlers, Rosemary Mair emerged as the standout performer in the opening ODI and nearly delivered a memorable win for her side. Bowling with excellent control and discipline, Mair claimed 3 wickets for 42 runs in her 10-over spell and consistently troubled England’s middle order with her seam movement and sharp lengths. She dismissed Heather Knight early, removed Amy Jones during a crucial phase of the chase, and later sent Lauren Bell back to further tighten the contest. She also contributed in the field with an important run-out of Freya Kemp that shifted momentum briefly towards New Zealand. What makes Mair such a dangerous bowler is her adaptability. Mair has 28 wickets in ODIs, with her best bowling figure being 5/50. She can operate effectively with the new ball, attack the stumps during middle overs, and execute defensive lines at the death.
Loves all things female cricket