Australia Women vs New Zealand Women, 1st T20I: Match Prediction – Who will win today's match between AUS-W vs NZ-W?

Australia (AUS-W) and New Zealand (NZ-W) are all set to lock horns in the first T20I of the three-match series on Thursday, September 19, at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. The tourists are on a T20I series tour in the lead-up to the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 in UAE in October.

Alyssa Healy & Co. are coming off a brilliant white-ball series win against Bangladesh women earlier this year. The six-time T20 World Cup-winning team will look to bring their A game ahead of the marquee event. A win in this series will surely be a confidence booster for the side.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand side is coming off a disappointing white-ball tour to England. The side featured in five T20Is and lost all the games comprehensively. With the T20 World Cup around the corner, Kiwis will be hoping for a change in fortune. A strong performance against defending champions will keep them in a positive mindset going into the 10-team tournament.

AUS-W vs NZ-W Match Details

Great Barrier Reef Arena Pitch Report and Conditions

The surface at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay is well balanced. The pitch assists both batters and bowlers allowing an even contest. Interestingly, this ground hasn't hosted a single T20I match but the Australian team has played three WODIs at this venue against India in 2021. The team that wins the toss will look to bat first.

AUS-W vs NZ-W Head-to-Head Record in T20Is

AUS-W vs NZ-W Predicted Playing XI

Australia Women:

Alyssa Healy (c), Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Grace Harris, Tahlia McGrath (vc), Ashleigh Gardner, Megan Schutt, Sophie Molineux, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham

New Zealand Women:

Sophie Devine (capt), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu

Also Read: Women's T20 World Cup 2024: New Zealand announce squad; Sophie Devine named captain

AUS-W vs NZ-W Predicted Top Performers of the Match

Predicted Best Batter: Suzie Bates

New Zealand all-rounder Suzie Bates could be the best batter in the upcoming first T20I against Australia women. Though her side had a disappointing England series, she impressed the viewers with her batting. In five innings, Bates smashed 117 runs and was her side's highest run-scorer. Aussie bowlers will look to get rid of the 37-year-old early as she could be a possible threat to them later in the game.

Predicted Best Bowler: Sophie Molineux

Australia's Sophie Molineux could be the best bowler in the opening T20I against New Zealand women. Molineux had an impressive Bangladesh series, as she not only ended as the highest wicket-taker of the series with six wickets but also earned the Player of the Series. The left-arm spinner will have lot on her shoulders and will look to once again back her skills against the experienced Kiwi batters.

                   Today’s Match Prediction: Team batting first to win the match

Scenario - 1

Australian women win the toss and bat

Powerplay Score – 30-40

First Innings Score - 130-140

Australia Women win the match

Scenario - 2

New Zealand Women win the toss and bat

Powerplay Score - 20-30

First Innings Score - 120-130

New Zealand win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.