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New Zealand and Australia will clash against each other in a three-match ODI series with the first match being played at Mount Maunganui.
Cricket Fans were deprived of a thrilling T20I series finale between New Zealand and Australia as rain played a spoilt sport. The third T20I was called off and the series ended on level terms at 1-1. Now, the two sides will move on to the ODI Series with an aim to find their best team for 50 over World Cup in 2022.
The first ODI will be played on Sunday, April 4 with all three games being played at the same venue. White Ferns have had a dismal record in ODI cricket recently, losing five of their past six matches. They were beaten by England in three match ODI series by a scoreline of 2-1, whereas, they suffered a whitewash against Australia last year.
However, their recent victory over Australia in the second T20I will give them some confidence going into the ODI series. Sophie Devine missed the last two matches of the T20I series due to fatigue and a call about her participation is yet to be taken. She is expected to feature in the first ODI, as she has got adequate amount of rest and will lead the White Ferns. Australia will be led by their charismatic captain, Meg Lanning.
Last time when the two sides faced each other in the ODI series, Australia outplayed their neighbours in all three departments of the game. The whitewash was completed after a thumping 232 runs victory in the last ODI. Rachael Haynes was adjudged the player of the series for her fine performances with the bat, which included a knock of 96 runs in the last match.
The visitors named the same squad for the T20I and ODI series, whereas, the White Ferns had made a few changes to their ODI squad. Leigh Kasperek and Lea Tahuhu return to the New Zealand squad for the ODI series.
Key Players
Sophie Devine, skipper of New Zealand is one of the most important players in the hosts’ squad. Although, there have been doubts over her fitness recently, yet she is expected to feature in the playing eleven on Sunday. The 31-year old has amassed 2697 runs in her 111 ODIs so far at an average of 31. With the ball, she has picked up 75 wickets at an average of 37.37 and an economy rate of 4.36.
Amy Satterthwaite is the only women’s cricketer to have scored four consecutive ODI hundreds, and has amassed 4067 runs in the 50-overs format so far. She has an impressive average, touching the 40s and a strike rate in the mid 70s. The New Zealand batter has seven centuries and 22 half-centuries to her name and will be a key player for the hosts.
Beth Mooney is currently one of the finest batters in world cricket. She was the top scorer in the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia last year and also finished as the highest run getter in the Big Bash league. She has amassed 1104 runs in her 38 ODI matches at a staggering average of 40.88. She has eight half-centuries and a century to her name in ODI Cricket. Mooney will open the batting for Australia and is expected to come with the goods once again.
Alyssa Healy disappointed in the T20I series against New Zealand. However, she remained unbeaten on 8 runs in the final T20I, before the match was abandoned due to rain. Healy has a prolific record in ODI cricket, scoring 1772 runs in 76 ODIs at an average of just over 32. She bats at a strike rate of 102 and has three centuries and 11 tons to her name.
Prediction
Australia clearly have the upper hand in the ODI series and are expected to emerge victorious. They were utterly dominant against the White Ferns in the home series last year. Moreover, the return of Ellyse Perry from injury bolster their starting eleven. Australia have a strong middle order consisting of the likes of Rachel Haynes, Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry.
New Zealand are still finding their best combination as they prepare themselves for the World Cup next year. Frances Mackay was the standout player for the White Ferns in the T20I series and she is expected to play a key role in the ODI series as well. The senior pros like Amy Satterthwaite, Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr will have to deliver crucial performances for their side.
On the bowling front, Australia again have the edge as they have real depth and quality in the department. Jess Jonassen has been a consistent performer for Australia, alongside the ever-reliant and experienced, Megan Schutt. Darcie Brown was impressive in the second T20I and might be handed an opportunity in the first ODI.
