Time: 7 Mar, 3.30 AM IST
Venue: University Oval, Dunedin
Pitch Report
Rain and windy conditions are forecast, which will make the seamers happy. Another low-scoring match is on the cards at Dunedin.
Teams
Probable XI for New Zealand: Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, Amy Satterthwaite, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Katey Martin (wk), Lea Tahuhu, Jess Kerr, Hannah Rowe, Fran Jonas
Probable XI for Bangladesh: Shamima Sultana (wk), Sharmin Akhter, Fargana Hoque, Nigar Sultana (c), Rumana Ahmed, Murshida Khatun, Ritu Moni, Salma Khatun, Nahida Akter, Fariha Trisna, Jahanara Alam
Fantasy Tips
We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Power Players
Despite Sophie Devine’s 108, New Zealand fell short by three runs against the West Indies. That said, her recent form augurs well for the hosts and fantasy players.
Although Amelia Kerr was dismissed cheaply in her previous match, she has been in sparkling form with the willow lately. With recent scores of 66, 68*, 67, 119*, and 33, this champion batter can set the stage on fire going forward.
Jess Kerr will have a big role to play with the new ball. She has taken 11 wickets in her last five appearances.
Smart Picks
With the ball seaming and swinging, wicket-keeper Katey Martin is likely to hold onto a few important catches. Additionally, she is also a capable batter down the order.
Lee Tahuhu is capable of performing the dual role to a nicety. She bagged 3 wickets in the opening match against the West Indies and batted at the No.5 position.
Amy Satterthwaite and Suzy Bates will be handy picks in fantasy leagues. The experienced have a reputation of delivering with both bat and ball.
Fariha Trisna’s 3 for 35 helped Bangladesh restrict South Africa to 207. Given the bowler-friendly conditions at Dunedin, her left-arm seam bowling can prove to be tricky.
Although Nahida Akter went wicketless in her last match, she remains the highest wicket-taker (13) for Bangladesh since 2021.
Despite opening the batting, Sharmin Akhter had a poor strike rate of only 44.44 but ended up as the highest scorer (34) for her team in the last game.
Ritu Moni is proving to be a utility cricketer. After her impressive showing in the warm-up games, she also experienced a decent outing (27 runs and 2 wickets) against South Africa.
Match Preview
Surprisingly, the two teams have never faced each other in the ODIs. However, New Zealand will be keen on getting back to winning ways after losing their opening game against the West Indies. On the other hand, Bangladesh will be looking for their first-ever win in the World Cup.
