Hello and welcome back to SlogVlog! The final match of this Triple-Header Saturday sees the defending champions, New Zealand, finally begin their title defence as they take on the West Indies in what promises to be a fascinating contest.
We’ve already gone through the previews for the first two matches of the day, and now it’s time to turn our attention to the final game. The White Ferns will be eager to get their campaign off to the perfect start, while the West Indies will be looking to make an early statement against the defending champions.
As always, we’ll be taking a look at everything you need to know before the game, including the probable playing XIs, head-to-head record, pitch and weather conditions, and finally, our prediction. So, without any further ado, let’s get started!
Expected Playing 11:
New Zealand:
- Suzie Bates
- Isabella Gaze (WK)
- Melie Kerr (C)
- Sophie Devine
- Brooke Halliday
- Maddy Green
- Izzy Sharp
- Jess Kerr
- Nensi Patel
- Lea Tahuhu
- Bree Illing
West Indies:
- Hayley Matthews (C)
- Deandra Dottin
- Qiana Joseph
- Stafanie Taylor
- Jahzara Claxton
- Aaliyah Alleyne
- Jannillea Glasgow
- Shawnisha Hector
- Shemaine Campbell (WK)
- Afy Fletcher
- Karishma Ramharack
Head to Head:
| Matches- | 24 |
| New Zealand Won- | 18 |
| West Indies Won- | 5 |
| No Result- | 1 |
Pitch and Weather Conditions:
Southampton was dry in comparison on Friday, after several days of very wet weather in the week. Saturday evening should be sunny with highs of 23 degrees, which should make for a lovely evening of cricket.
-ESPN CricInfo
Prediction:
We’re backing the defending champions, New Zealand, to take the win in this one. While we’ve spoken a lot about the West Indies’ rich T20 World Cup history in previous posts, it’s worth remembering that New Zealand are champions too, and they come into this tournament with a strong, well-balanced side and plenty of confidence.
The White Ferns also boast an impressive record against the Women in Maroon, having enjoyed success against them over the years. And while the West Indies certainly have the talent to trouble any team on their day, this isn’t quite the same dominant side that lifted the trophy a decade ago.
New Zealand look like the more complete team heading into this contest. They have experience, depth, and the confidence that comes with being the defending champions. The West Indies will put up a fight, but we’re backing New Zealand to start their title defence with a victory.
If you want to see the Defending Champions in action today against the Women In Maroon, then tune into JioHotstar at 11:00 PM IST, and if you live in the UK, and for whatever reason aren’t going for this clash, then tune into Sky Sports Cricket at 6:30 PM BST.
Until next time!
Thank you.
SlogVlog 