England Women will be looking to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series when they face New Zealand Women on 19 September, in the second ODI at the New Road in Worcester.
In the series opener, England defeated New Zealand by 30 runs in Bristol. Riding on Heather Knight’s sublime 89, England posted 241 in 49.3 overs after being put in. The innings included two collapses – first from 109/1 to 140/5, and then from 228/5 to 241 all out.
New Zealand bowlers, led by Jess Kerr, put on a disciplined performance. Lea Tahuhu was the most economical among them. She went for less than three-and-a-half runs an over for two wickets.
Coming to the chase, Amy Satterthwaite staged a lone battle, but received little support from her teammates. She remained unbeaten on 79, and New Zealand were bundled out for 211 with 21 balls to spare.
The bowlers of both sides matched each other last time but their batters were not at their best. Barring Knight, Satterthwaite and Katherine Brunt, the batters looked lacklustre. From New Zealand’s perspective, Sophie Devine provided stability in the middle, but their openers Lauren Down and Suzie Bates disappointed the most.
England are unlikely to make any change from their winning combination. However, New Zealand are likely to make one change: Hayley Jensen may make the cut in place of Down.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Bet on New Zealand this time. Appoint Devine captain. Knight has been in excellent form. Make her vice-captain.
- Choose Amy Jones ahead of Katey Martin among wicket-keepers.
- Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross, Kerr and Tahuhu are genuine wicket-taking options. Include all of them.
Probable XIs
England Women: Heather Knight (c), Amy Jones (wk), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Nat Sciver, Sophia Dunkley, Katherine Brunt, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross, Freya Davies.
New Zealand Women: Sophie Devine (c), Katey Martin (wk), Suzie Bates, Maddy Green, Amy Satterthwaite, Hayley Jensen, Brooke Halliday, Hannah Rowe, Jess Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, Leigh Kasperek.
Prediction
New Zealand should pull one back.
Blitzpools Fantasy Team
Amy Jones, Heather Knight (VC), Sophie Devine (C), Tammy Beaumont, Suzie Bates, Katherine Brunt, Amy Satterthwaite, Jess Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross.
