NZ-W vs AUS-W Match Prediction That May Surprise Fans on 21-Dec-2024
The trans-Tasman rivalry is set to unfold in New Zealand. While historical statistics favor the Australian women’s team, all eyes will be on how the struggling New Zealand squad handles the formidable Australian bowling attack. The series opener is scheduled at Basin Reserve, Wellington on 19th December, commencing at 3:30 am.
The New Zealand Women’s team is currently experiencing a rough patch in limited-overs cricket. Their recent record shows just one victory in their previous five ODI encounters. Their most recent match against India Women saw them post 232 runs, with Brooke Halliday contributing a solid 86 runs from 96 balls. However, India successfully chased down the target in 44 overs, losing only four wickets. Hannah Rowe emerged as the leading bowler for New Zealand with 2 wickets.
The Australian Women’s team has been displaying exceptional form this year, securing victories in ten out of eleven matches. They recently achieved a clean sweep against India Women on home soil. Their last ODI performance was remarkable, posting 298 runs. Annabel Sutherland reached triple figures in the middle order, while Ashleigh Gardner and Tahila McGrath both registered half-centuries. Gardner’s bowling prowess shone through with figures of 5/30, securing an 83-run victory.
Their previous encounter took place during the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022. Australia Women batted first, accumulating 269 runs for eight wickets. The innings was anchored by Ellyse Perry (68) and Tahila McGrath (57) who both reached their fifties. Darcy Brown’s three-wicket haul helped Australia secure a commanding 141-run victory over New Zealand.
This historic rivalry dates back to 1973 when these teams first met in ODI cricket. Since then, Australia Women have dominated with 100 victories in 133 matches, while New Zealand has managed just 31 wins.
TEAMS PREVIEW
New Zealand Preview (NZ-W vs AUS-W Match Prediction)
Suzie Bates will spearhead the batting lineup for New Zealand. Her record against Australia Women is impressive, with 1116 runs in 32 ODIs, including three centuries and six half-centuries. However, her recent form has dipped, managing only 92 runs at an average of 21.33 in 9 ODIs this year. The team will feel the absence of Georgia Plimmer, who scored 105 runs in the India series, with Bella James stepping in as her replacement. Lauren Down, slated to bat at number three, is struggling for form, averaging just 8.80 in her last five ODI appearances.
Captain Sophie Devine will anchor the middle order alongside Brooke Halliday and Maddy Green. Devine’s recent ODI performances have been remarkable. Her last 8 ODI appearances have yielded 303 runs at an impressive average of 43.29, while her record against Australia Women stands at 623 runs across 34 innings. Her experience will be crucial for New Zealand’s success. Halliday has been in excellent touch this year, accumulating 284 runs in 8 ODIs with three fifty-plus scores. Her record against Australia, though limited to three ODIs, includes 60 valuable runs.
The bowling department will be spearheaded by Lea Tahuhu, supported by the talented Kerr sisters. Tahuhu’s record against Australia is noteworthy, with 21 wickets in as many ODIs while maintaining an economy rate of five. The Kerr sisters have been the team’s bowling revelation. Their combined effort in the past 8 days has resulted in 25 wickets while maintaining an economical rate of five runs per over. Sophie Devine and Hannah Rowe will provide additional bowling options. NZ-W vs AUS-W Match Prediction Devine’s bowling statistics against Australia are impressive, claiming 24 wickets in 36 ODIs with an economy rate under 5.
Key Players: Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr, Brooke Halliday.
New Zealand Predicted Playing XI:
Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bella James, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair.
Australia Preview (NZ-W vs AUS-W Match Prediction)
The world champions continue their dominance with just one defeat in their last eleven ODIs. The opening partnership features Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll.NZ-W vs AUS-W Match Prediction Litchfield has accumulated 287 runs in her last 10 ODIs, while Voll impressed in the recent India series with 173 runs across three ODIs. Ellyse Perry, batting at three, boasts an impressive record against New Zealand with 829 runs at an average of 43, including one century and seven half-centuries.
The middle order comprises Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, and Ashleigh Gardner. Mooney has contributed 258 runs in her last 8 ODIs. NZ-W vs AUS-W Match Prediction Sutherland enters the series with momentum after earning Player of the Series honors against India, scoring 125 runs and claiming six wickets. Gardner’s recent form has been exceptional with 19 wickets in her last 10 ODIs. Her batting strike rate against New Zealand exceeds 135, making her a valuable all-round asset for Australia in this series.
Vice-captain Tahila McGrath will bat in the lower order. Her record against New Zealand Women shows promise with 86 runs in two ODI appearances. The bowling attack will be led by the dynamic duo of Sutherland and Gardner, supported by the skilled spinners Alana King and Megan Schutt. King has been particularly impressive, claiming 16 wickets in her last 9 ODIs while maintaining an exceptional economy rate of 3.76 – the most economical among all bowlers. She will be the key bowler to watch in this match. Her performance in New Zealand has been noteworthy, with 12 wickets from eight innings.
Key Players: Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Alana King.
Australia Predicted Playing XI:
Alyssa Healy (c), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll.
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
| HR | Temp | Rain | W. speed | W. direction | Clouds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 00h | 13 | 1.67 mm | 11.52 k/h | From: S | 100% |
| 03h | 13 | 1.28 mm | 9.08 k/h | From: S | 100% |
| 06h | 13 | 0.71 mm | 9.83 k/h | From: S | 100% |
| 09h | 14 | 0.81 mm | 11.02 k/h | From: S | 100% |
| 12h | 14 | 0.98 mm | 11.5 k/h | From: S | 100% |
| 15h | 14 | 1.49 mm | 11.06 k/h | From: S | 100% |
| 18h | 14 | 2.20 mm | 10.84 k/h | From: S | 100% |
| 21h | 14 | 1.87 mm | 10 k/h | From: S | 100% |
Weather Conditions
The Basin Reserve in Wellington is forecasted to experience cloudy conditions on match day, with temperatures fluctuating between 27 and 32 degrees Celsius. Southeast winds are expected at speeds of 6-11 km/h. The venue is renowned for its batting-friendly surfaces that allow batters to play their strokes freely. However, recent matches have seen spinners making significant impact.
NZ-W vs AUS-W Match Prediction Pitch Report
The match is scheduled for December 19th, starting at 3:30 am at Basin Reserve, Wellington, which can accommodate 12,000 spectators. The venue has hosted 57 ODIs and 6 T20 internationals.
Toss: To Bat
Of the 57 ODIs played at this venue, teams batting first and teams chasing have each won 26 matches. The average first-innings score stands at 200, with the highest total being 318. Given these statistics, the team winning the toss should opt to bat first.
