In Guwahati, the setting for this crucial Women`s World Cup match, spinners have decisively impacted the tournament, accounting for 33 of the 44 wickets fallen so far.
Big Picture: New Zealand Under Pressure
New Zealand finds itself in a precarious position just two matches into the Women`s World Cup. Despite two outstanding innings from captain Sophie Devine, the team has suffered defeats against formidable opponents Australia and South Africa, making them one of only two winless sides in the tournament.
A six-month hiatus from ODI cricket before the World Cup has visibly impacted New Zealand`s performance, with signs of rust evident across their play. Prior to their main tournament losses, they also fell in warm-up games against India and India A. Beyond Devine`s significant contributions, which account for 42% of New Zealand`s runs in the tournament so far, the batting unit has struggled for rhythm, and the bowling attack has lacked penetration. Their fielding against South Africa was also subpar, marked by seven misfields, indicating a team not yet operating at full capacity.
Conversely, Bangladesh is showing promising form and momentum. They secured a surprising victory against Pakistan and subsequently put up a strong challenge against England, fostering significant self-belief within the squad. While their batting is yet to fully gel, their bowlers have performed admirably. Marufa Akter has consistently made early breakthroughs with the new ball, and the spinners have maintained tight control in the middle overs. Given New Zealand`s predominantly right-handed batting order (with Brooke Halliday as the sole left-hander), they could face a significant challenge from Bangladesh`s spin triumvirate: left-arm spinner Nahida Akter and leg-spinners Fahima Khatun and Rabeya Khan.
Historically, Bangladesh has never defeated New Zealand in ODIs, with both prior encounters in 2022 ending in substantial losses. However, with spin predicted to be a key factor in Guwahati, Bangladesh will be eager to capitalize on the favorable conditions, especially since they have already played a World Cup match at this venue, unlike New Zealand.
Form Guide
Bangladesh: LWLLW (last five matches, most recent first)
New Zealand: LLWWL
In the Spotlight: Fahima Khatun and Suzie Bates
Fahima Khatun delivered an almost unplayable spell against England on Tuesday, achieving impressive figures of 3 for 16. Her victims included Nat Sciver-Brunt, Emma Lamb, and Sophia Dunkley, each dismissal met with her signature celebratory jig. Her slow, looping leg-spin effectively stifled England`s scoring, conceding only one boundary across 60 deliveries. She also believed she had dismissed Heather Knight caught at cover, but the TV umpire`s decision to rule it not out proved to be a critical turning point in the match.
New Zealand desperately needs runs from Suzie Bates, who enters this contest following two consecutive ducks. Against Australia, she struggled to get off the mark in her first eight balls before being dismissed by left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux. Her subsequent match against South Africa saw her fall for a golden duck to Marizanne Kapp. Bates faces the formidable challenge of neutralizing the in-form Marufa Akter, who has already claimed four wickets in two games.
Team News: Is Mair Fit and Ready?
Bangladesh is expected to maintain an unchanged lineup unless unforeseen injuries or illness arise. Marufa Akter, who left the field with cramps after bowling just five overs against England, has been declared `fit and ready` for Friday`s fixture, according to Nahida Akter at the press conference.
Bangladesh (probable):
1 Rubya Haider, 2 Sharmin Akhter, 3 Nigar Sultana (capt & wk), 4 Sobhana Mostary, 5 Mst Ritu Moni, 6 Shorna Akter, 7 Fahima Khatun, 8 Nahida Akter, 9 Rabeya Khan, 10 Marufa Akter, 11 Sanjida Akter Meghla
New Zealand`s assistant coach Craig McMillan previously stated that fast bowler Rosemary Mair was nearing full fitness before their last match against South Africa. If cleared to play, Mair might replace Jess Kerr in the lineup.
New Zealand (probable):
1 Suzie Bates, 2 Georgia Plimmer, 3 Amelia Kerr, 4 Sophie Devine (capt), 5 Brooke Halliday, 6 Maddy Green, 7 Isabella Gaze (wk), 8 Jess Kerr/Rosemary Mair, 9 Lea Tahuhu, 10 Eden Carson, 11 Bree Illing
Pitch and Conditions: Spin to Win
Guwahati has proven to be a spinner`s paradise this World Cup, with slow bowlers accounting for a staggering 75% of all wickets (33 out of 44 total wickets) across the three matches played here. The forecast also indicates a potential for rain at the start of the match.
Stats and Trivia
- New Zealand fast bowler Lea Tahuhu is set to play her 100th ODI on Friday.
- Marufa Akter has taken eight wickets in the powerplay this year, making her the second-most successful bowler in women`s ODIs during that phase.
- Brooke Halliday is 57 runs short of reaching 1000 ODI runs, a milestone that would make her the 18th New Zealand batter to achieve this feat.
Quotes
`There has been quite a bit of turn and bounce in the nets, which is exciting for my bowling. But on the other hand with batting, it`s just being really disciplined in the best way to play spin. We know with Bangladesh, they`ve, I think apart from the opening bowler, they`re a spin-heavy attack and they`ve had a lot of teams in trouble as well throughout this tournament we`ve seen. So, I think being really disciplined with the bat, you have to sum up conditions really quickly and then work out what your best game plan is.`
New Zealand allrounder Amelia Kerr acknowledges the challenge posed by Bangladesh`s spin attack.
