The upcoming encounter between New Zealand Women and Sri Lanka Women at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 12, 2024, is a crucial one for the White Ferns as they look to improve their Net Run Rate (NRR) and stay alive in the race to the knockout stages. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has had a tough tournament, losing all three of their matches, and is already out of contention for the semi-finals.
After a strong start with a win against India, New Zealand suffered a heavy defeat to Australia. With a negative NRR of -0.050, they need to win this game with a good margin to maintain their chances of qualifying. Players like Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates, and Rosemary Mair will be key for them. Mair’s bowling has been particularly impressive, and she is expected to play a vital role.
Sri Lanka has been disappointing so far, with losses to Pakistan, Australia, and India by significant margins. Their top order, especially Chamari Athapaththu, needs to step up if they are to challenge New Zealand. However, given the team’s poor form and lack of depth, it is hard to see them overturning their fortunes in this match.
Pitch Report
The Sharjah pitch generally favors both batters and bowlers. It starts off fast-paced but slows down as the match progresses. Teams winning the toss would likely opt to bat first, taking advantage of the small boundaries.
Head-to-Head
| Matches Played | 13 |
| Won by Sri Lanka Women | 1 |
| Won by New Zealand Women | 12 |
| No Result | 1 |
Today’s Match Prediction
New Zealand are in far better form and have a more balanced and experienced squad compared to Sri Lanka. Their batting lineup, led by Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates, and the pace attack spearheaded by Rosemary Mair, should be able to overpower Sri Lanka.
Probable Playing 11 for NZ-W vs SL-W
New Zealand Women
Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine(c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze(w), Rosemary Mair, Fran Jonas, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson
Sri Lanka Women
Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu(c), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani(w), Ama Kanchana, Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Udeshika Prabodhani, Inoka Ranaweera