New Zealand vs England Women Preview & Tips – Black Caps to miss out on CWC semi-final spot

England were left stunned by an supreme Australian fightback with the bat that saw them battle back from 24/3 to chase down 245 to win. 

New Zealand have only managed to secure two wins across their last 10 matches against England, with the English winning the other eight. 

New Zealand were the victim of a stunning batting display from India, with the co-hosts hammering their way to what proved to be an unassailable 340/3 in 49 overs. 

Chasing anything above 280 with India’s bowing attack coming at them was always going to be a big ask, with the extra 60 runs India secured above this giving New Zealand far too much to do. In their must-win game, New Zealand’s bowlers struggled to make any real inroads as Pratika Rawal (122) and Smriti Mandhana (109) took all of New Zealand’s initiative away. 

In their final group game, I predict that New Zealand will really struggle. They have lost their last three against England in the ODI format, and I predict this losing run will get extended. 

England Women will be heading into the semi-finals regardless of their result in their final game, but their last group game is hugely important after their six-wicket loss to Australia. 

244/9 looked to be around 50 runs short of a truly competitive score, and so it proved as the Aussies romped home with six wickets and 57 deliveries to spare. Of course, Australia were indebted to Annabel Sutherland (98 not out) and Ashleigh Gardner (104 not out), with Australia earlier teetering at 24/3. While Australia’s number five and six were superb, England’s bowlers were guilty of allowing the Aussies to wrestle back the initiative. 

In their final group game, England have to be far better with the ball. While none of their bowlers went for more than 10.00 an over, Australia did not every really need to throw the kitchen sink at England as the winning total was so low. 

I am backing Sophie Ecclestone, who took 1/62 against the Aussies, to better her tally and add to her personal haul of 11 wickets for the tournament so far.