The New Zealand cricket team is set to host Sri Lanka for an exciting bilateral series, beginning with a three-match ODI series on March 4 at McLean Park in Napier. This will be followed by a three-match T20I series, providing both teams with crucial match experience as they gear up for future international competitions.
With regular skipper Sophie Devine ruled out due to injury, veteran all-rounder Suzie Bates will lead the White Ferns, bringing her vast experience and leadership to the side. New Zealand will be keen to start their 2025 campaign on a positive note, especially after suffering a 2-0 series defeat against Australia last December. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, under the leadership of Chamari Athapaththu, will be looking to make a strong impression, having made significant progress in the women’s game over the past year.
New Zealand aims for a strong start under Suzie Bates
New Zealand will be hoping to capitalize on their home conditions as they take on Sri Lanka in what promises to be a competitive series. The absence of Devine due to break and Amelia Kerr, who is participating in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India, means that the team will have to rely on other key players to step up. Bates, one of New Zealand’s most accomplished batters, will not only lead the side but also play a crucial role in anchoring the batting lineup.
The squad sees the return of Georgia Plimmer, who was out of action due to injury, and the inclusion of three uncapped players – Emma McLeod, Izzy Sharp and Bree Illing – who have impressed with their performances in domestic cricket. The team will also welcome back Hayley Jensen, who last played for New Zealand two years ago and has made a strong comeback with consistent performances in the domestic circuit. New Zealand will be looking to test different combinations in the absence of some of their senior players, providing an opportunity for young talents to prove their mettle at the international level.
What to expect from the series?
The three-match ODI series will be played on March 4, 7, and 9, with the first game taking place at McLean Park in Napier, followed by two matches at Saxton Oval in Nelson. The T20I series will then kick off on March 14 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, with the remaining two games scheduled for March 16 and 18 at the same venue and the University Oval in Dunedin, respectively.
With both teams looking to make a mark in international cricket, the series promises to be highly competitive. New Zealand, despite missing some of their key players, will be determined to showcase their depth and versatility, while Sri Lanka will see this as an opportunity to test their skills against a top-ranked side. The performances of emerging players will be closely watched, and both teams will look to finalize their best combinations ahead of major tournaments later in the year.
Also READ: New Zealand’s Bella James ruled out of Sri Lanka ODIs due to injury; replacement announced
New Zealand’s best playing XI for the ODI series against Sri Lanka
With a well-balanced squad featuring experienced campaigners and exciting young talents, New Zealand Women will look to dominate Sri Lanka in their upcoming ODI series at home. Here’s the best possible playing XI for the series, considering batting depth, all-round ability, wicketkeeping options, and bowling strength.
1. Suzie Bates (c)
As New Zealand’s most experienced batter, captain Suzie Bates will be crucial at the top of the order. With her ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed, Bates remains the backbone of the batting lineup. Additionally, her bowling can be a handy option in the middle overs.
2. Brooke Halliday
Halliday’s presence provides New Zealand with a strong middle-order batter who can contribute both with the bat and ball. She is known for her ability to stabilize the innings under pressure and can chip in with crucial overs of right arm medium pace bowling.
3. Georgia Plimmer
A promising young talent, Georgia Plimmer will provide stability as an crucial top order batter. With an attacking approach and the ability to build partnerships, she complements Bates well. Her medium pace bowling can also offer variety to the bowling attack.
4. Maddy Green
Green has been a consistent performer for New Zealand, often playing the anchor role in the middle overs. She has the ability to rotate the strike effectively and accelerate when needed, making her a vital cog in the top order.
5. Hayley Jensen
Jensen’s inclusion as a bowling all-rounder gives the team a reliable seamer who can contribute quick runs in the lower middle order. She can be a useful option in seaming conditions, making her indispensable for this series.
6. Izzy Gaze (wk)
A skilled wicketkeeper and aggressive batter, Isabella Gaze gets the nod behind the stumps. Her ability to play aggressive strokes in the later stages of an innings makes her a valuable asset in ODIs.
7. Polly Inglis
Another wicketkeeping option, Inglis’ ability to bat in the lower order and accelerate in the final overs makes her an ideal addition to the playing XI.
8. Jess Kerr
With her ability to swing the new ball, Jess Kerr will be New Zealand’s strike bowler. Her pace and movement will be key, especially against Sri Lanka’s top order. Additionally, her lower-order hitting ability makes her a strong all-round package.
9. Eden Carson
As a specialist spinner, Eden Carson will be New Zealand’s main weapon in the middle overs. With her ability to contain runs and pick wickets, she will play a crucial role in restricting Sri Lanka’s batters.
10. Bree Illing
An exciting young bowler, Illing provides an left arm fast bowling option who can generate bounce and movement on New Zealand wickets. Her ability to extract turn also gives the team another spin option.
11. Hannah Rowe
A tall pacer who can extract extra bounce and trouble batters with her variations, Rowe adds experience to the pace attack. She will be crucial in both the powerplay and death overs.
Also READ: Cricket Australia announces Women’s T20I squad for New Zealand tour, Nicole Faltum receives maiden call-up
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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