The stage is set for the Trans-Tasmanian battle on Oct 8
The top two teams of Group A, Australia and New Zealand will meet on Tuesday in Sharjah to play the 10th match of this ninth edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Both teams are fresh from stellar wins in their campaign opener. While Australia thrashed Sri Lanka by six wickets, New Zealand hammered India by 58 runs.
Head-to-Head
Australia and New Zealand have played 51 T20Is against each other, of which Australia have won 28 and New Zealand have won 21. In T20 World Cups, Australia just have a slight edge over New Zealand winning four out of the seven encounters.
Squads
Australia: Alyssa Healy (c), Darcie Brown, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham
New Zealand: Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu
Players to watch out
Beth Mooney: This left-handed opening batter of Australia had a fantastic outing against Sri Lanka in her previous match as she scored an unbeaten 43 from 38, including four fours. She led the run chase from the front and guided her team to a comfortable win.
Megan Schutt: This right arm pace sensation of Australia won the player of the match award for her brilliant bowling performance in the previous encounter against Sri Lanka. She started the proceedings with the ball and scalped 3/12 in four overs, including one maiden.
Sophie Devine: The captain of New Zealand struck a scintillating half-century against India in her previous match. Batting at number four, she gave a perfect finish with her aggressive stroke play.
Rosemary Mair: This right-arm medium pacer of New Zealand wreaked havoc with the ball as she registered her career-best T20I figures of 4/19 against India in her previous outing. All of her wickets came in different phases of the innings which indicates that she is a complete T20 bowler.
Weather
The weather is expected to be warm with a temperature of about 30 degrees Celsius. Humidity will be 56%.
Match details
Date: October 8, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Live streaming: Star Sports Network, Disney + Hotstar