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The final game of the three-match ODI series between New Zealand Women and Australia Women promises to be an exciting clash. With Australia already leading the series 1-0, this match presents the hosts with their last chance to level the series. After a washed-out first game, the second ODI saw the Australians dominate with a commanding 65-run victory.
Can New Zealand rise to the occasion, or will Australia maintain their winning streak against the Kiwis and seal another series triumph?
Match Details
| Fixture | New Zealand Women vs Australia Women, 3rd ODI |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, December 21, 2024 |
| Time | 2:30 PM Local / 7:00 AM IST |
| Venue | Basin Reserve, Wellington |
Teams Preview
New Zealand Women Preview
New Zealand Women, led by Sophie Devine, face a daunting challenge to level the series. Their loss in the last game exposed weaknesses in both batting and bowling. The team hasn’t beaten Australia in ODIs since 2017, and they’ll need a strong all-round effort to change that record.
Batting Concerns:
Opener Isabella Rose James showed promise with a 27-run knock in the previous game but needs to convert starts into big scores. Amelia Kerr, the team’s most consistent batter, scored 38 runs but lacked support from the middle order. Skipper Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday must step up to anchor the innings, while Maddy Green and Lauren Down will look to finish strong.
Bowling Improvements Needed:
The bowlers struggled to contain Australia’s batters in the second ODI. Molly Penfold impressed with a 4-wicket haul, but the rest of the attack failed to make an impact. Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson, and Sophie Devine must bowl tight lines to trouble Australia’s power-packed batting lineup.
New Zealand Predicted Playing XI:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Sophie Devine (c) | All-rounder |
| Suzie Bates | Batter |
| Isabella Rose James | Batter |
| Amelia Kerr | All-rounder |
| Lauren Down | Batter |
| Brooke Halliday | Batter |
| Maddy Green | Batter |
| Isabella Gaze (wk) | Wicketkeeper |
| Eden Carson | Bowler |
| Molly Penfold | Bowler |
| Rosemary Mair | Bowler |
Australia Women Preview
The reigning giants of women’s cricket, Australia Women, showcased their dominance in the last game. Captain Alyssa Healy will aim to keep the momentum going and secure another series win against their Trans-Tasman rivals.
Batting Strength:
Annabel Sutherland stole the show in the second ODI with a brilliant 105-run knock, supported by Alyssa Healy and Tahlia McGrath. The top order, featuring Phoebe Litchfield and Beth Mooney, looks solid, while players like Ashleigh Gardner and Ellyse Perry add firepower to the lower middle order.
Bowling Depth:
Australia’s bowlers were clinical in the last game. Kim Garth led the attack with figures of 2/17, while Ashleigh Gardner and Ellyse Perry provided valuable support. With an in-form attack comprising Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown, and Alana King, Australia have the depth to trouble any batting lineup.
Australia Predicted Playing XI:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Alyssa Healy (c) | Wicketkeeper |
| Phoebe Litchfield | Batter |
| Beth Mooney | Batter |
| Ellyse Perry | All-rounder |
| Ashleigh Gardner | All-rounder |
| Annabel Sutherland | All-rounder |
| Tahlia McGrath | All-rounder |
| Alana King | Bowler |
| Kim Garth | Bowler |
| Megan Schutt | Bowler |
| Darcie Brown | Bowler |
Fantasy Team XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Captain | Annabel Sutherland |
| Vice-Captain | Amelia Kerr |
| Batsmen | Alyssa Healy, Phoebe Litchfield, Isabella Rose James |
| All-rounders | Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Sophie Devine |
| Wicketkeeper | Beth Mooney |
| Bowlers | Megan Schutt, Molly Penfold, Kim Garth, Eden Carson |
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Pitch Report:
The Basin Reserve, Wellington, is a batting-friendly wicket with good carry and bounce. Pacers will enjoy assistance early on, while spinners can find some grip later in the game. The average first-innings score here is around 245-250 runs, and teams would aim to post at least 280 to challenge the chasing side.
Weather Conditions:
The weather in Wellington is expected to be partly cloudy, with temperatures ranging between 16°C and 19°C. A slight drizzle may occur, but it’s unlikely to impact the game significantly.
Toss Prediction:
Given the conditions and recent results, the captain winning the toss is likely to bowl first, taking advantage of the early assistance for pacers.
Winning Prediction
New Zealand Women face an uphill task against a dominant Australian side. While the hosts have the talent, their inconsistent performances and Australia’s superior form tilt the scales in the visitors’ favor. Expect Australia to continue their dominance and seal the series 2-0.
Prediction: Australia Women to win.
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