SWOT Analysis of New Zealand’s Squad selected for U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023

The ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 is set to get underway on 14th January and will go on till 29th January 2023. It will be hosted by South Africa and will have 41 matches in total with the finals at the JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom.

The World Cup will feature 16 teams spread across four groups:-

Which group is New Zealand placed in U19 Women’s World Cup 2023?

New Zealand is in Group C with Indonesia, Ireland and West Indies.

Does New Zealand have warm-up matches scheduled?

New Zealand has warm-up matches scheduled versus Rwanda on the 9th of January and on the 11th of January versus Pakistan.

What are New Zealand’s group-stage fixtures in U19 Women’s World Cup 2023?

What is New Zealand’s squad for U19 Women’s World Cup 2023?

Izzy Sharp (c), Olivia Anderson, Anna Browning, Kate Chandler, Natasha Codyre, Isabella Gaze, Antonia Hamilton, Abigail Hotton, Fran Jonas, Louisa Kotkamp, Kayley Knight, Paige Loggenberg, Emma McLeod, Georgia Plimmer, Tash Wakelin

Let’s do a SWOT Analysis of New Zealand’s squad and objectively assess it all

Strengths

• The presence of Fran Jonas: Fran Jonas is an experienced campaigner and has proven to be a crucial cog in the wheel for the New Zealand women’s senior team in her 23 appearances in major bilateral and multination tournaments and her inclusion in the U-19 squad only strengthens the team further. She is ranked 15th in the ICC rankings for T20I bowlers and also has a national contract in her kitty and having made her debut in domestic cricket at 15, her slow left-arm orthodox spin really sets her apart.

• The duo of Isabella Gaze and Georgia Plimmer: Besides Jonas, Isabella Gaze and Georgia Plimmer will be players to watch out for as they too have played for the senior side and have the international exposure which will come in handy for New Zealand.

• Strong batting line-up: Anna Browning, Abby Gerken and Izzy Gaze form a solid batting line-up. New Zealand will depend on them to fire in the batting. Emma McLeod is another brilliant batter as she runs beautifully between the wickets and can score quick runs.

Weaknesses

• Dependence on the experienced trio: Although Jonas, Gaze and Plimmer are excellent additions to the squad; them being in form will be crucial and there will be expectations riding on them which could prove to be counterproductive to New Zealand’s prospects.

Opportunities

• Captaincy of Izzy Sharp: Having been selected as the skipper for New Zealand, Izzy Sharp can really make a mark for herself. In the domestic set-up, she was good for Canterbury U-19s and a good run in the World Cup can catapult her to the senior national side which could further better her prospects to take over captaincy a few years down the line when the likes of experienced Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates hang their boots.

• To figure out a fixed playing 11: In these warm-ups versus Rwanda and Pakistan, New Zealand will be able to figure out an ideal playing combination and present their best team on paper.

• Kayley Knight’s prowess: She was fantastic for the New Zealand Development squad in the series versus India and she swings it away from the batters, has exceptional lines and lengths in the powerplays and can be used to break partnerships as well. With Lea Tahuhu ageing, she can certainly improve and potentially be a fitting replacement for her. Lucy Hamilton is another perfect addition and can complement Kayley Knight well.

Threats

• No realistic threat in their group stage matches: New Zealand is in a group that has Indonesia, Ireland and West Indies and realistically, they will qualify for the knockouts without much hassle and will not be challenged massively.

• Knockout stages threat: New Zealand might perhaps face their first challenge in the knockout stages against the tougher teams and they will have to ride the momentum on to these crucial matches.