England Women will look to continue this year’s unbeaten series streak by winning their second T20I against New Zealand Women, at the County Ground, Hove on 4 September.
England took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with a 46-run win in the series opener three days ago, thanks to Tammy Beaumont’s 65-ball 97. Riding on the blistering knock, they piled 184/4 after being put in, and then bowled out New Zealand for 138 in 18.5 overs.
Heather Knight had suffered a hamstring injury ahead of the opening match. Nat Sciver led England in her absence. Knight may be rested again, as they are unlikely to make changes to the winning combination. Katherine Brunt bowled tightly in the Powerplay for two wickets last time, while Sophie Ecclestone and Tash Farrant were as impressive.
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine dropped Beaumont twice, on 26 and 64, in the first match. Beaumont mostly targeted Leigh Kasperek, who returned 1-54, the worst figures by a New Zealand Woman in T20Is. Kasperek is likely to be replaced by Lea Tahuhu.
Barring Devine and Hayley Jensen, every New Zealand bowler went for more than nine and a half an over. With bat, Amy Satterthwaite showed composure, but got little support.
England began this year by beating New Zealand 2-1 and 3-0 in the T20Is and ODIs respectively. They then drew a Test match against India, and beat them 2-1 in both T20Is and ODIs, all at home.
Betway Fantasy Tips
– Bet on New Zealand. Expect them to level the series.
– Appoint Devine captain. She did not last long with bat in the previous match, but is unlikely to fail again.
– Amy Jones played a breezy cameo in the first game. Pick her ahead of Katey Martin among wicketkeepers.
Probable XIs
England Women: Nat Sciver (c), Amy Jones (wk), Danni Wyatt, Tammy Beaumont, Sophia Dunkley, Emma Lamb, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Mady Villiers, Tash Farrant.
New Zealand Women: Sophie Devine (c), Katey Martin (wk), Suzie Bates, Amy Satterthwaite, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Hayley Jensen, Thamsyn Newton, Hannah Rowe, Jess Kerr, Lea Tahuhu.
Prediction
New Zealand should make a comeback and win this match.
BlitzPools Fantasy XI
Sophie Devine (C), Nat Sciver (VC), Amy Jones, Danni Wyatt, Tammy Beaumont, Suzie Bates, Amy Satterthwaite, Hayley Jensen, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Lea Tahuhu.
