New Zealand ready for Australia challenge in must-win game
Stand-alone Women’s World T20 tournament…
Number one-ranked team Australia will lock horns with number 3-ranked New Zealand on Wednesday, November 14, at the National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara Guyana.
New Zealand will be hoping to bounce back against Australia
Australia top Group B with four points, having registered two comprehensive victories against Pakistan and Ireland. New Zealand, conversely, suffered a heavy defeat in their consolation game against India in the opening match.
Semi-finals spots may have well been booked with India and Australia being the dominant teams thus far, but the tournament is still young. New Zealand have a power squad, and they are confident of defeating Australia.
In a press conference held at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) at Bourda, New Zealand players spoke ahead of the clash between Australia — which is scheduled for 20:00 hours in Guyana.
Suzie Bates
In New Zealand’s first match against India, a few positive signs emerged with them mustering 160 runs. The batters had approached the chase in an aggressive manner, with the dangerous Suzie Bates top-scoring with 67 from 50 balls. Heading into this match, New Zealand would want to improve on their ability to adjust to the conditions. World class batter Sophie Devine noted that her New Zealand team mates are looking forward to this match, since they have had the opportunity to play alongside the Aussie players in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).
New Zealand players highlighted that, in assessing their bowling performance, the bowlers bowled full length deliveries. Although the ‘white ferns’ picked up three early Indian wickets in their first match, they have not maintained consistency. The players will be looking to do the basics and keep things simple, while playing a positive brand of cricket.
New Zealand will be looking to the likes of Suzie Bates, who leads the ICC Women’s World T20 batting charts with a rating of 682; and Sophie Devine, who has a rating of 556 points and is in ninth position. The top New Zealand bowler in the ICC rankings is Leigh Kasperek who is in tenth position with a rating of 585. (Brandon Corlette)
