ICC Women’s World Cup 2022: The White Ferns were not the overwhelming favorites to win the World Cup the last time they hosted it. However, a spirited team led by Emily Drumm snatched the title from Australia. New Zealand had won the thrilling final, successfully defending 184 at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln to avenge a three-year defeat against the same opponents. 22 years later, New Zealand has the chance to repeat its heroics of 2000 and win the World Cup for the second time on their home soil.

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New Zealand women are peaking at just the right time. The Sophie Devine-led side recently defeated India 4-1 in a five-match ODI series, and there was some excellent cricket on display throughout the series. The senior pros in the team led the charge, and the non-regular faces in the side took over from there, seizing every opportunity that came their way. The victory over India was exactly what the hosts needed before the rumble.

Women’s World Cup 2022: New Zealand 15 member squad

Sophie Devine (c), Amy Satterthwaite (vc), Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Frankie Mackay, Rosemary Mair, Katey Martin, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu

The White Ferns have put a strong statement just ahead of the mega event. They successfully chased down 321 runs against Australia with 9 wickets and 6.5 overs to spare. The chase was beautifully set up by Devine who scored a scintillating unbeaten 161 of 117 balls.

The top-order is in excellent form, giving the batting line-up an impregnable appearance. Suzie Bates, Amy Satterthwaite, Amelia Kerr, and Sophie Devine all piled on the misery for India in the recent ODI series. That’s why the hosts are touted as one of the favourites to win the title.

However, the lack of experience in the bowling department can make them look vulnerable. Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, and Hannah Rowe have played a total of 93 ODIs. Hence, the pressure of the big stage can easily take a toll on them. Lea Tahuhu will be under immense pressure to deliver as the leader of the pack. The decision to drop right-arm off-spinner Leigh Kasperek might backfire for the hosts. She is the leading wicket-taker for the white ferns with 42 scalps from 26 games since the last World Cup.

New Zealand may have the momentum with them going into the World Cup. But they don’t stack up well against the top three sides even at home – Australia, South Africa, and England. The White Ferns have lost all the previous three home series against them. The injury to Lauren Down has just aggravated their woes. All the cream is at the top while down the order they lack a proper finisher.

Women’s World Cup 2022: Key players for the White Ferns

1) Amelia Kerr

ICC Women's World Cup 2022: New Zealand Women Review, Key players, Schedule
ICC Women’s World Cup 2022: New Zealand Women Review, Key players, Schedule

Amelia amassed 353 runs in the recent ODI series against India at a jaw-dropping average of 117.67 and left them with no respite. However, her impact is defined not only by the number of runs she scored but also by how she scored them. She scored her runs at an incredible strike rate of 97.51 and took seven wickets in the series. Find more Cricket betting tips today and guides for the upcoming match.

Surprisingly, New Zealand has won all of the games in which Amelia has reached the half-century mark. Not to forget her contribution with the ball. Kerr has taken 67 wickets in 46 matches at an impressive average of 26.35. She is just 21 and has a bright future on her shoulders.

2) Sophie Devine

ICC Women's World Cup 2022: New Zealand Women Review, Key players, Schedule
ICC Women’s World Cup 2022: New Zealand Women Review, Key players, Schedule

Momentum is a very important factor for destructive players like Devine. The White Ferns skipper is a match-winner on a given day. The dashing all-rounder has accumulated 2918 runs in 121 innings at an average of 30.08. She has also taken 86 wickets at 4.46 RPO. However, it will be interesting to see if she is used as a floater. New Zealand lacks a proper finisher and Devine can be slotted in the middle order to play the finishing role.

3) Suzie Bates

ICC Women's World Cup 2022: New Zealand Women Review, Key players, Schedule
ICC Women’s World Cup 2022: New Zealand Women Review, Key players, Schedule

She is a perfect ‘all-rounder,’ as her role implies, with exceptional performances in all areas of cricket – she bats, fields, bowls, and has also captained (2011-17). She has broken a plethora of records in her long career span. Bates was named ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2013, T20I Cricketer of the Year in 2015, and ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2016.

In 2019, she was also named captain of the International Cricket Council’s one-day team of the year. Bates has hit the purple patch at the right moment. She scored a whirlwind century to set up New Zealand’s win in the 2nd ODI vs India. New Zealand would hope that she can fire in all departments.

Women’s World Cup 2022: Schedule of New Zealand Women Team

Hosts New Zealand will start the World Cup juggernaut with a blockbuster clash against West Indies on Friday, 4th March. The hosts will face Bangladesh, who are making their ODI World Cup debut, in the next match on 7th March. Then the white ferns will go head to head against India on 10th March, followed by a riveting clash against Australia on 13th March. New Zealand will round off the seven-match league stage by playing against South Africa, defending champions England and Pakistan.

ICC Women’s World Cup 2022: New Zealand Women Review, Key players, Schedule

Women’s World Cup 2022: Where to watch live match

Star Sports Network has the right to telecast the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 in India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, and Bhutan. The channels are – Star Sports 2/HD, Star Sports 3, and Star Sports 1 Hindi.

Live streaming of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 in India will be available on Disney+ Hotstar. Fans in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, and Bhutan can stream live on Yupp TV. Read more reviews about Mobile Bet365 here and learn how betting works online.

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