Time: March 17, 6:30 AM IST
Venue: Seddon Park, Hamilton
Pitch Report
The chasing team is yet to register a win in four games at Seddon Park. Not that the nature of the pitch changes, but the teams have squandered the opportunity under pressure. The pitch, otherwise, has the perfect mixture for a thriller.
Teams
Probable XI for New Zealand: Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine (c), Amelia Kerr, Amy Satterthwaite, Maddy Green, Katey Martin (wk), Hayley Jensen, Lea Tahuhu, Jess Kerr, Frances Mackay, Hannah Rowe
Probable XI for South Africa: Lizelle Lee, Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus (c), Mignon du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Trisha Chetty (wk), Shabnim Ismail, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka
Fantasy Tips
We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Power Players
With 9 wickets in 4 games, Lea Tahuhu is the highest wicket-taker of the tournament. She may not have great numbers with the bat, but her knock of 23 against Australia helped the fantasy players notch above. Against South Africa, she has the best bowling figures of 3 for 41.
Marizanne Kapp, who is the highest wicket-taker in contemporary ODIs between these teams, won the Player of the Match award against England earlier this week. She took her maiden five-wicket haul in international cricket and also gave handy fantasy points with a crucial innings of 32 during a tough chase.
Amy Satterthwaite has an outstanding average of 60 with the bat and 15 with the ball against South Africa. She has been New Zealand’s best player in the ongoing World Cup, scoring 150 runs and registering a three-wicket haul.
The ever-improving Laura Wolvaardt has been South Africa’s best performer with the bat. Her scores read 41, 75, and 77. Against New Zealand, she has the highest score of 91*.
Smart Picks
After her 108 in the opening game, Suzie Bates has not been at her best. She got a fiery start against India but could not convert it into a big innings. She went wicketless in the only match she bowled. New Zealand rely on her medium pace only when their mainstay bowlers fail to strike.
Sune Luus has been more prominent with the bat than the ball: her scores read 25, 62, and 25. Although she has gone wicketless in 12 overs, her overall average reads 21. Her all-round skills make her a valuable pick in fantasy cricket.
Amelia Kerr has scored 111 runs at 37 and taken 5 wickets at 32, consistently providing fantasy points in both respects of the game.
Ayabonga Khaka has been on a rampage with her pace bowling, taking 7 wickets at 19. She strikes especially when the ball is new. She is also the highest wicket-taker for South Africa against New Zealand.
Apart from her brisk 79* against Bangladesh, Suzie Bates has not made any significant contributions – one of the reasons why New Zealand have been inconsistent. Perhaps an average of 40 against South Africa should boost her confidence.
Despite failing in consecutive matches, the experienced Lizelle Lee remains an important batter at the top for South Africa. It was only two years ago that she blasted 99 against the hosts.
Match Preview
New Zealand have never lost to South Africa in the World Cup, despite losing the toss in all matches. Overall, they have won 11 of 16 ODIs. However, the current situation does not make them a favourite. While they have lost two of four matches, South Africa are brimming with confidence with three wins in three games.
