In the seventh match of the ongoing Women's ODI World Cup, New Zealand Women are set to take on South Africa Women on Monday in Indore. Both teams will step onto the field with an aim for victory, having suffered defeats in their respective opening matches.
Neither side has had the ideal start to their World Cup campaign. South Africa Women faced a strong England Women’s side in their opener and came up short, struggling to build momentum with the bat and failing to contain England’s disciplined chase. Asked to bat, South Africa women were bowled out for 69 in 20.4 overs.
Meanwhile, England women chased down the total in 14.1 overs, with openers Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones scoring 21 and 40 unbeaten to help the side seal a 10-wicket win. Similarly, New Zealand Women were outclassed by Australia Women, suffering an 89-run defeat. The losses have left both teams at the lower end of the points table, making Monday’s clash a must-win encounter.
For New Zealand, much will depend on the form of experienced players like Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates, and Amelia Kerr. The trio forms the backbone of the batting lineup, and their performance will be critical.
For South Africa, all eyes will be on skipper Laura Wolvaardt, whose consistency at the top of the order will be important. The team will also look to the likes of Marizanne Kapp. Sune Luus and Ayabonga Khaka to provide breakthroughs with the ball and bring in stability in the middle order.
Head-to-head
Matches: 20
New Zealand won: 12
South Africa won: 8
South Africa probable XI: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch/Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba
New Zealand probable XI: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Graze (wk), Jess Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Bree Illing