Preview 1st ODI – South Africa vs New Zealand
Date- 25th January, Saturday
Time- 4:30 am IST
Venue- Eden Park Outer Oval, Auckland
Preview:
South Africa meets New Zealand for three ODI’s and five T20s beginning January 25. The series promises to be an interesting contest with both sides fielding their best lot. The ODI clashes are crucial for the South African team as they vie for direct qualification to the 2021 Women’s World Cup. They are definitely eyeing some points in the ICC Women Championship.
The T20s will prove to be a platform for testing waters with both sides trying to zero in the perfect combination for the mega T20 World Cup in Australia next month. The testing New Zealand conditions, climate and an altogether different time zone will be a litmus test for the South African team. The encounters are expected to be close and prepare contenders for the cup.
The Proteas looked in fine form in the recent warm-up match against Auckland Hearts. They registered a 27 run victory with Sune Luus top-scoring with 105 runs from 122 balls. She was well supported by opener Laura Wolvaardt 76 (118), who produced a gritty knock to anchor the innings. Shabnim Ismail produced a lethal spell, shining with the ball yet again picking up three wickets (3-23).
With both sides fielding full-strength squads and as run-up to major ICC events, an interesting contest awaits.
Key Players:
NZ: Sophie Devine (all-rounder), Amelia Kerr (leg spinner), Suzie Bates (all-rounder), Rachel Priest (wicketkeeper batter), Jess Kerr( fast bowler)
SA: Dane van Niekerk (leg spinner), Lizelle Lee (wicketkeeper batter), Sune Luus (all-rounder), Shabnam Ismail (pacer) Laura Wolvaardt (batter), Mignon du Preez batter), Marizanne Kapp (all-rounder)
Squads
New Zealand:
Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Holly Huddleston, Hayley Jensen, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Katey Martin, Katie Perkins, Anna Peterson, Rachel Priest.
South Africa:
Dane van Niekerk (c), Laura Wolvaardt, Lizelle Lee, Mignon du Preez, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Tumi Sekhukhune, Trisha Chetty, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Nadine De Klerk, Nondumiso Shangase, Marizanne Kapp.
