The White Ferns have bounced back from an early loss to the West Indies with two wins, but can they beat the old foe Australia in Wellington tomorrow? Cricket writer Adrian Seconi identifies five reasons to feel confident.
100 games young
Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Katey Martin will bring up her 100th ODI. The 37-year-old is competing in her third World Cup and not many teams can claim to have a finisher as experienced as her down low. Otago fans would like to see her bat a bit higher in the order, but her ability to read the game make her a real asset at the end. She is just a great competitor.
Fab four
The White Ferns’ top four are all in good nick. Suzie Bates keeps getting run out, but her undefeated 79 against Bangladesh was a quality knock. Sophie Devine scored a century in the loss to the West Indies and a big hundred in a warm-up game against Australia. Melie Kerr has emerged as a quality No 3 and Amy Satterthwaite picked up the player of the match award for her innings of 75 in the comfortable win against India on Thursday.
Options
If feels like everyone bats and bowls in the White Ferns. That gives the team so much flexibility. Potentially up to eight players will have a realistic chance of playing a significant role with the ball tomorrow. Strike bowler Lea Tahuhu had struggled with the new ball but was used as a change bowler against India and snaffled three for 17. Clever off-spinner Frankie Mackay opened the bowling in that innings and has made a positive impact since replacing Fran Jonas in the starting XI. Hayley Jensen offers pace and she has a good yorker, and Kerr’s overs of wrist spin are vital.
Fielding
The odd stunning catch aside, the standard of fielding has been far from impressive at the tournament. The White Ferns have contributed to the blooper reel as well. But, on balance, they look to be one of the better fielding teams. Maddy Green is the best of them, Bates has a safe pair of hands and Devine has nabbed three catches so far.
That warm-up game
Australia looks the most complete team at the tournament and will start favourite. But — and maybe you cannot read too much into a warm-up game — the White Ferns crushed it by nine-wickets in Lincoln earlier this month. The visitor posted a formidable 321. Game, set and match — except it wasn’t. The White Ferns chased it down with more than six overs to spare. Devine clouted 161 not out from 117. Kerr was impressive as well with an undefeated 92 from 75 balls, while Bates set a solid platform with 63 at the top.
Women’s World Cup
Basin Reserve, tomorrow, 11am
New Zealand: Sophie Devine (captain), Suzie Bates, Melie Kerr, Amy Satterthwaite, Maddy Green, Katey Martin, Hayley Jensen, Lea Tahuhu, Frankie Mackay, Jess Kerr, Hannah Rowe, Brooke Halliday, Rosemary Mair, Fran Jonas, Georgia Plimmer.
Australia: Alyssa Healy, Rachel Haynes, Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Nicola Carey, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Megan Schutt, Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris, Heather Graham, Ashleigh Gardner, Darcie Brown.
