New Zealand Women’s Team Preview, Squad, Strengths, Weaknesses, Key Players and Fixtures for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020
The New Zealand Women’s team is one side that has blown hot and cold in the history of the T20 World Cup. However, they have done well post the 2018 edition in the shortest format. They may have played a mere two bilateral series’ but they did well in the limited number of games they played. They whitewashed India 3-0 before dominating South Africa 3-1. Like 2018, they are once again in the same group as Australia and India and they will face stiff challenge from them as far as semi-final spots are concerned.
Also Read: Australia Women’s Team Preview | ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020
Coaching & Support Staff:
Bob Carter (Head coach), Matthew Bell (Assistant Coach)
Previous Edition:
Group stage finish (finished 3rd with two wins)
Best Finish:
Runners-up
Sophie Devine’s explosive nature at the top of the order bodes well for New Zealand Women’s Team
New Zealand Women’s Team Overview
New Zealand have a good quality squad for the T20 World Cup led by Sophie Devine. However, much will depend on her form and if she can continue what has been a dream run so far. She’s redefined batting in T20 cricket in the recent past. They also have the likes of Suzie Bates, Rachel Priest, Lea Tahuhu, Lauren Down and Maddy Green who they will look upto.
Strong Points
A large part of New Zealand’s firepower seems to be at the top. Sophie Devine, Rachel Priest and Suzie Bates form a formidable top three. That’s the heart of New Zealand’s batting line-up. They have a decent bowling attack as well. Amelia Kerr, Anna Peterson and Lea Tahuhu are the key ones.
Lea Tahuhu will have an important role to play for the New Zealand Women’s Team
Weak Links
New Zealand’s middle order will be under pressure. A few quick wickets at the top might put them under spotlight and they have wobbled a touch in the recent past. The likes of Maddy Green and Lauren Down need to step up.
Key Players for New Zealand Women’s Team
There is absolutely no doubt that skipper Sophie Devine is going to be the key. Be it with bat or ball, the White Ferns skipper has been in fine form. Suzie Bates is another who will be vital. She can go big and she has dropped down to No. 3 and will look to bat through and anchor the innings.
Also Read: India Women’s Team Preview | ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020
New Zealand Women’s Squad
Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Holly Huddleston, Hayley Jensen, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Katey Martin, Katie Perkins, Anna Peterson, Rachel Priest, Lea Tahuhu
Fixtures
February 22: New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka Women – W.A.C.A. Ground, Perth
February 27: India Women vs New Zealand Women – Junction Oval, Melbourne
February 29: New Zealand Women vs Bangladesh Women – Junction Oval, Melbourne
March 2: Australia Women vs New Zealand Women – Junction Oval, Melbourne