Following their emphatic victory in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, New Zealand are gearing up to face India in a three-match One Day International (ODI) series, set to commence on October 24 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The White Ferns, brimming with confidence after their world-beating campaign, are looking to carry their winning momentum into the longer format.

A boost of confidence for New Zealand after the T20 World Cup glory

The White Ferns’ World Cup victory, marked by a 58-run triumph over India in their opening encounter, has instilled a fresh wave of self-belief in the team. Skipper Sophie Devine led the squad with authority, while Amelie Kerr shone throughout the tournament, being named both Player of the Final and Player of the Tournament for her all-around brilliance.

With their recent T20 World Cup success still fresh in their minds, New Zealand now faces the challenge of adapting to the 50-over format. However, Harmanpreet Kaur’s Team India will be a formidable opponent on home soil.

New Zealand’s best starting XI for the ODI series against India

1. Suzie Bates

Position: Opener
Strength: Bates is the backbone of New Zealand’s batting lineup. As an opener, her impeccable technique and ability to find gaps make her a vital asset. Bates’ consistency at the top ensures that New Zealand builds a solid platform from the very start of the innings.

2. Georgia Plimmer

Position: Opener
Strength: Plimmer complements Bates with her aggressive stroke play. Her calm demeanor at the crease allows her to handle pressure situations effectively, providing New Zealand with stability at the top. Plimmer’s technique and ability to accelerate the scoring are key strengths.

3. Amelia Kerr

Position: Batting All-Rounder
Strength: Kerr’s versatility makes her indispensable to New Zealand’s middle order. Capable of either anchoring the innings or accelerating as needed, Kerr provides a strong foundation with the bat. Her leg-spin bowling adds an extra dimension to her game, making her a genuine match-winner with both bat and ball.

Also READ: From Amelia Kerr to Ellyse Perry: Player of the Match winners in each edition of Women’s T20 World Cup

4. Sophie Devine (C)

Position: Middle-Order Batter and Captain
Strength: As a captain, Devine brings unmatched experience and leadership. Her ability to handle pressure situations with the bat and provide crucial breakthroughs with the ball makes her one-off New Zealand’s strongest assets. Devine’s all-round skills and composed leadership will be instrumental in guiding the team through the ODI series.

5. Brooke Halliday

Position: Middle-Order Batter
Strength: Known for her powerful hitting, Halliday’s experience in the lower middle order adds depth to New Zealand’s batting. Her ability to accelerate during the latter stages of the innings and deliver under pressure makes her a crucial game-changer.

6. Izzy Gaze

Position: Wicketkeeper batter
Strength: Gaze’s reliability behind the stumps and her role as a middle-order batter make her indispensable to the team. Her quick reflexes as a wicketkeeper add security to New Zealand’s fielding, while her aggressive approach as a finisher with the bat gives the team a strong push in the death overs.

7. Maddy Green

Position: Lower-Order Batter
Strength: Green’s innovative shot-making and ability to rotate strike efficiently give her an edge in the lower middle order. Whether stabilizing the innings after early wickets or pushing for quick runs, Green’s presence ensures balance and composure in the latter half of the batting order.

8. Lea Tahuhu

Position: Medium-Fast Bowler
Strength: Tahuhu is a spearhead in New Zealand’s bowling attack, capable of breaking partnerships with her medium-fast deliveries. Her ability to exploit seam-friendly conditions could be crucial on Indian pitches that might offer early movement.

9. Eden Carson

Position: Spin Bowler
Strength: Carson’s off-spin bowling brings variety and depth to New Zealand’s spin department. Her ability to mix her flight and pace, coupled with her hard-hitting prowess lower down the order, adds value to the team in both batting and bowling.

10. Jess Kerr

Position: Medium-Fast Bowler
Strength: Jess’ deceptive medium-fast deliveries are expected to be a key weapon for New Zealand, especially on Indian pitches. Her ability to generate movement and deliver breakthroughs in the middle overs makes her a pivotal bowler for the team.

11. Fran Jonas

Position: Spin Bowler
Strength: Jonas, as New Zealand’s premier off-spinner, is known for her accuracy and ability to control the flow of runs. On slow Indian pitches where spinners often dominate, Jonas’s subtle variations in flight and pace will be vital in building pressure on the Indian batters.

Also WATCH: Sophie Devine overwhelm with emotions as New Zealand secures their first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup title

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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