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The second ODI between New Zealand Women (NZW) and Sri Lanka Women (SLW) promises high stakes as the hosts aim to seal the three-match series. The first game was rain-affected, with NZW dominating before the heavens opened, leaving SLW with a reprieve. NZW, buoyed by their commanding performance, will look to capitalize on home advantage. Meanwhile, SLW, struggling with a poor away record (3 wins in 20 games), faces a must-win scenario to keep the series alive. With clear skies forecasted in Nelson, the stage is set for a thrilling contest.
Match Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Series | 2nd ODI, SLW tour of NZW, 2025 |
| Venue | Saxton Oval, Nelson |
| Date & Time | 7th March 2025, 10:00 AM Local Time |
| Weather | Clear skies, no rain expected |
| Pitch Condition | Batting-friendly, shorter boundaries |
Team Previews
New Zealand Women
NZW enters this clash brimming with confidence after their rain-interrupted victory in the first ODI. Captain Suzie Bates will be eager to convert their dominance into a decisive win. The batting lineup, featuring aggressive openers Bates and Polly Inglis, is key to setting strong totals. Middle-order batters like Brooke Halliday (known for her consistency) and Georgia Plimmer (aggressive strokeplay) provide depth, while Emma McLeod and Bree Illing offer late-order fireworks.
The bowling attack, led by Hannah Rowe (2 wickets in the last game) and Jess Kerr (economical in middle overs), complements the batting. Spinners Eden Carson and Bates add variety, exploiting the pitch’s early assistance. NZW’s home record and familiarity with conditions make them formidable.
Key Players :
- Suzie Bates : Leadership and all-round prowess.
- Brooke Halliday : Anchor in the middle order.
- Bree Illing : Dual role as finisher and strike bowler.
Sri Lanka Women
SLW faces an uphill battle after a lackluster showing in the first ODI. Captain Chamari Athapaththu must lead from the front, partnering with Vishmi Gunaratne (30 runs last game) to stabilize the innings. Harshitha Samarawickrama (66 runs in the last match) and Manudi Nanayakkara are vital for middle-order acceleration. However, their slow strike rate (68.75 for Samarawickrama) remains a concern.
The bowling relies on Sugandika Kumari and Achini Kulasuriya for early breakthroughs, while Inoshi Priyadharshani and Chethana Vimukthi must contain NZW’s hitters. SLW’s poor record against NZW (only 3 wins in 20 away games) adds pressure.
Key Players :
- Chamari Athapaththu : Leadership and explosive batting.
- Harshitha Samarawickrama : Top scorer in the last game.
- Sugandika Kumari : Key wicket-taker.
Favorite Team to Win
| Team | Reasons |
|---|---|
| NZW | Home advantage, strong batting depth, and superior bowling attack. |
Why NZW?
NZW’s dominance in the first ODI, coupled with their home record, makes them favorites. Their batting lineup is explosive, and the bowling unit—led by Illing and Kerr—can exploit the pitch’s early swing. SLW’s inconsistent batting and poor away form further tilt the odds in NZW’s favor.
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Role | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Suzie Bates | Captain/Batter | NZW |
| Brooke Halliday | Middle-order Batter | NZW |
| Chamari Athapaththu | Opener/All-rounder | SLW |
| Harshitha Samarawickrama | Middle-order Batter | SLW |
| Polly Inglis | Opener | NZW |
| Jess Kerr | Bowler | NZW |
| Bree Illing | All-rounder | NZW |
| Hannah Rowe | Bowler | NZW |
| Eden Carson | Spinner | NZW |
| Sugandika Kumari | Bowler | SLW |
| Isabella Gaze | Wicket-keeper | NZW |
Explanation :
This XI balances power-hitting (Bates, Halliday), consistency (Athapaththu, Samarawickrama), and varied bowling (Kerr, Illing). Gaze’s wicketkeeping adds value.
Captain & Vice-Captain :
- Suzie Bates (consistent all-rounder).
- Brooke Halliday (reliable middle-order anchor).
Players to Avoid :
- Vishmi Gunaratne (struggled in the first game).
- Chethana Vimukthi (expensive in middle overs).
Probable Playing XIs
NZW :
| Suzie Bates (c) | Isabella Gaze (wk) | Maddy Green | Brooke Halliday | Georgia Plimmer | Emma McLeod | Bree Illing | Jess Kerr | Eden Carson | Hannah Rowe | Polly Inglis |
SLW :
| Chamari Athapaththu (c) | Vishmi Gunaratne | Harshitha Samarawickrama | Manudi Nanayakkara | Anushka Sanjeewani (wk) | Nilakshi de Silva | Kavisha Dilhari | Chethana Vimukthi | Sugandika Kumari | Inoshi Priyadharshani | Achini Kulasuriya |
Pitch Report & Toss Prediction
The Saxton Oval pitch favors batters, with shorter boundaries and early swing for pacers. Toss Prediction : NZW will elect to bat first to exploit the fresh pitch.
Winner Prediction
New Zealand Women to win comfortably, leveraging home advantage and SLW’s inconsistent form.
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