The runner-up of 2017 World Cup will lock horns against the hosts White Ferns in the city of Hamilton. These two teams have the tag of dark horses but are full of aspirations. Though the tournament is in its initial stages, it has already produced few nail-bitters and some big upsets.
India ---
Women in Blue started their tournament with a bang by defeating arch rivals Pakistan by a huge margin of 107 runs. The confidence will be high in the Indian camp but they will vary the fact that the White Ferns defeated them prior to the world cup in a bilateral series by 4-1.
Victory is always cherished no matter how they come but the win against Pakistan was a roller coaster ride with India battling their way out from 114-6 to 244-7. Smriti's name seems synonymous with the Indian women team being in the spotlight and India will be relying on world's best batsman in women's cricket, Mithali Raj to set the tone for them. The likes of Deepti, Kaur and Ghosh will look to give stability and finishing touches as India don't want to rely too much on young Pooja and Rana.
Winning Mantra ---
Batting 1st -- Put up a solid foundation and finish it off in style
Batting 2nd -- Keep the run rate in check and kill the game ASAP.
New Zealand ---
They were given the taste of World Cup pressure in their first game itself where West Indies women held their nerves to outclass the White Ferns. They won their second game against Bangladesh by a big margin of 9 wickets and 7 overs to spare in a 27-over affair. The team is star studded with big names like Devine, Bates, Amy along with young but reliable Amelia Kerr. The team got a reality check in the very first game and will be on their toes against Indian women.
For few veterans of the women's game like Bates, Devine, Goswami and Mithali, this might be their last world cup and they would want to end their respective careers on a high.
Winning mantra -- Play bold and the natural game.
Pitch conditions -- Seddon Park saw a run fest between Australia and England and the same can be expected here.
Where- Seddon Park, Hamilton
When- 10 March 2022, 6:30am IST
