New Zealand head into the final ODI against Australia looking to win the game and level the series to end 2024 on a high. The first game of the series was called off without a ball being bowled. In the second game, Australia scored a massive 291/7 on the back of Annabel Sutherland’s 81-ball 105 not out.
New Zealand were 122/5 after 30.1 overs before the rain came down again. Australia went on to win the game by 66 runs on the Duckworth and Lewis method. Barring 38 runs by Amelia Kerr none of the batters were able to put up a strong fight. With the ball, Molly Penfold’s 4/42 was the best effort by the home team.
This loss has left New Zealand in the ICC ODI table with 21 points from 23 games. Australia leads the list with 37 points with England in the 2nd spot with 32 points from 18 games. India are third in the list with 25 points from 18 matches with a huge series against West Indies set to be played,
Here is the likely New Zealand XI vs Australia:
Top order – Suzie Bates, Bella James
If New Zealand has to end the year on a high then they must hope that Suzie Bates can give them a good start with the bat. Bates was out for just 4 runs in the last game falling to Kim Garth. Fellow opener Bella James scored 27 runs from 33 balls to give her team a good start in pursuit of the huge total set by Australia.
Middle Order – Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine, Brooke Halliday
Veteran stars Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine who happens to be the skipper will look to lead New Zealand’s revival. Amelia Kerr scored 38 with the bat but went wicketless with the ball. Sophie Devine scored 15 runs and wasn’t able to take any wickets with the ball. While the batting isn’t a concern, it is the lack of wickets from the veteran that will concern the home side. Brooke Halliday scored just 7 in the 2nd ODI to raise huge questions about her form.
Lower-order – Maddy Green, Lauren Down, Isabella Gaze
One of the key aspects the home team has to look at is the lower middle order. Some of the players haven’t been able to get a chance to bat at all. Sophie Devine will be wary of the threat the Aussie bowlers bring to the table and the class they have. This is where Maddy Green along with Lauren Down and Isabelle Gaze have to come good.
Tail enders – Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Eden Carson
New Zealand bowling attack will be led by Molly Penfold who claimed 4 wickets in the last game. Her wickets included Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, and Tahlia McGrath. Rosemary Mair picked 1 wicket while Eden Carson picked 2/65 from her 9 overs with the ball.
New Zealand XI vs Australia
Suzie Bates, Bella James, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Lauren Down, Isabelle Gaze, Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson, and Molly Penfold.
Disclaimer: This exclusive news is based on the author’s insights, analysis, and intuition. While reviewing this information, consider the points discussed and form your own conclusions.