Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
After a thrilling fightback by Australia on Saturday night, the action moves to Brisbane on this public holiday Monday, with preparations ramping up for the Women’s World T20 in November.
Allan Border Field is officially sold out, making for what should be an awesome afternoon of cricket!
Can Australia seal the series? Skipper Meg Lanning spoke of their desire to improve their record against New Zealand, and a fantastic opportunity awaits. After losing their first four wickets for 45 in pursuit of a very competitive 163, the Aussies displayed their fighting spirit to romp home in the end by six wickets. Skipper Lanning and Rachael Haynes were the two heroes, and will be key again today, along with a top order and bowling attack that can deliver a lot more than they did on Saturday.
For New Zealand, they should be encouraged by their effort on Saturday, despite the defeat. Katey Martin and Sophie Devine in particular showed their class, getting New Zealand to 162 when it appeared likely they would get a lot less. Then, Devine and Kasperek combined to rattle Australia’s top order, and that they did will give them belief they can adjust a few parts of their game and win today. Who will be the partnership breaker this time? Can New Zealand knock around a quality Aussie attack again?
This should be an exciting clash.
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Key to an Australia win
While Australia won well on Saturday, they will desire a more complete performance today.
The end of New Zealand’s innings and the start of theirs was a difficult time in the game, especially after reducing New Zealand to 78/4 in 11.1 overs. Can the Aussies, boasting an experienced attack, put on a more polished showing with the ball? Sophie Molineux and Ellise Perry were accurate and tidy, but more will expected from the likes of Megan Schutt and Delissa Kimmince.
Also, the last thing Australia would want in big games is to be reduced to four down for not many. On paper, the Aussies certainly has what it takes to fire, boasting a top four of Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner and Elyse Villani. Will today be the day they stand up and provide a great platform for the likes of Meg Lanning and Rachael Turner?
Key to a New Zealand win
Plenty of encouraging signs for New Zealand on Saturday, despite the defeat.
A lot will come down to mindset in this must-win clash. Can they believe they can slice through Australia’s top order again, and then have greater success against the middle order? The powerplay overs were mostly excellent by New Zealand, but the likes of Amelia Kerr and Hayley Jensen were expensive at key stages. Can all bowlers stand up for New Zealand in a collective bowling effort against a strong Aussie line up?
Also, a total of 162 is also cause for encouragement. Sophie Devine, Katey Martin and Bernadine Bezuidenhout were the three stars on Saturday – can they stand up again, with greater output from the experienced Suzie Bates and Amy Satterthwaite?
Possible teams
After a good game on Saturday, it remains to be seen whether any changes will be made on either side.
Australia possible XI: 1. Alyssa Healy (wk), 2. Beth Mooney, 3. Ashleigh Gardner, 4. Elyse Villani, 5. Meg Lanning (c), 6. Rachael Turner, 7. Ellise Perry, 8. Sophie Molineux, 9. Delissa Kimmince, 10. Georgia Wareham, 11. Megan Schutt
New Zealand possible XI: 1. Suzie Bates, 2. Sophie Devine, 3. Jess Watkin, 4. Amy Satterthwaite (c), 5. Katey Martin (wk), 6. Maddy Green, 7. Bernadine Bezuidenhout, 8. Hayley Kensen, 9. Amelia Kerr, Leigh Kasperek, 11. Lea Tahuhu
Prediction
This should be another cracking contest, with the Aussies gaining confidence from a win on Saturday.
I back them to win again today and take out the series.
Thanks for reading!
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