New Zealand (NZ-W) and England (ENG-W) will square off in the first T20I of their five-match series on Tuesday, March 19 at the University Oval in Dunedin.
Both teams are set to play their first T20I encounter in 2024. New Zealand hosted Pakistan in December 2023 in a three-match T20I series. The White Ferns lost the first two games before winning the last encounter. Suzie Bates top-scored in the series with 97 runs from three games.
Heather Knight and Co. played three T20Is on their tour to India in December last year. They won the series by virtue of winning the first couple of games. The Women in Blue avoided a whitewash as they won the inconsequential third T20I. Nat Sciver-Brunt was the leading run-getter with 93 runs from two games. She scored her runs at an impressive strike rate of 140.91. However, she won’t be available for the first three matches. Several experienced players in the England camp have been rested for the first few games and it will be interesting to see how the youngsters fare on the big stage.
Also Read: ‘I was always going to come to New Zealand’ – Heather Knight expresses no regrets on missing WPL Final for RCB
NZ-W vs ENG-W Match Details
| Particulars | Match | Venue | Date & Time | Live Broadcast and Streaming Details |
| Details | New Zealand Women vs England Women, 1st T20I | University Oval, Dunedin | Tuesday, March 19, 5:30 AM IST | Amazon Prime Video India (app and website) |
Click here: NZ-W vs ENG-W Live Score, 1st T20I
Pitch Report
A couple of T20Is were played at this venue during the series against Pakistan last year. In the first encounter, Pakistan chased down a target of 128 with seven wickets and 10 balls to spare. In the second match, the home side lost by 10 runs as they failed to chase down a target of 138. The captain who wins the toss could opt to bat first and look to post a big total on the board. However, run-scoring wouldn’t be very easy.
NZ-W vs ENG-W Head-to-Head Record
| Matches Played | New Zealand Women won | England Women won |
| 30 | 7 | 23 |
NZ-W vs ENG-W Probable Playing XI
New Zealand Women:
Bernadine Bezuidenhout (wk), Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (c), Maddy Green, Hannah Rowe, Isabella Gaze, Jess Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas
England Women:
Sophia Dunkley, Maia Bouchier, Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, Amy Jones (wk), Hollie Armitage, Danielle Gibson, Bess Health, Freya Kemp, Lauren Bell, Sarah Glenn
Probable Best Players
Probable Best Batter of the Match
Suzie Bates could be the batter to watch out for in the first T20I. The 36-year-old has been in good form of late and has the experience of playing 152 T20Is. She has amassed 27 fifties and one century in the format for New Zealand. If she can fire on all cylinders, it will stand the hosts in good stead.
Probable Best Bowler of the Match
Sophie Ecclestone is only available for the last two matches. In her absence, all eyes would be on the 24-year-old leg-spinner, Sarah Glenn. The experienced campaigner has picked up 64 wickets from 54 matches at an average of 16.93 and an economy rate of 6.10. It will be intriguing to see how Knight uses her four overs.
Today’s Match Prediction: Team batting first to win the match
Scenario – 1
New Zealand Women win the toss and bat
Powerplay Score – 35-45
First Innings Score – 140-160
New Zealand Women win the match
Scenario – 2
England Women win the toss and bat
Powerplay Score – 40-50
First Innings Score – 150-170
England Women win the match
Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.
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