NZ-W vs AUS-W Match Prediction - Who will win today’s 2nd T20I match between New Zealand Women and Australia Women?

New Zealand Women will look to restore parity in the three-match series when they take on Australia Women in the second T20I on Sunday, March 23, at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

The first T20I was held in Auckland on Friday and it turned out to be a one-sided affair as Australia romped home with eight wickets in hand, chasing down a 138-run target in 13.3 overs. Suzie Bates-led New Zealand scored 137/2 in their 20 overs. Amelia Kerr scored an unbeaten half-century, while Sophie Devine made 39* off 36 balls. Darcie Brown and skipper Tahlia McGrath took one wicket apiece for the Aussies.

In reply, Australian openers Beth Mooney and Georgia Voll slammed 123 runs in 11 overs. Voll departed after scoring 50 off 31 balls as Lea Tahuhu gave New Zealand their first breakthrough. The right-arm pacer took the wicket of Phoebe Litchfield in her following over before Mooney and Ellyse Perry completed the formalities. The wicketkeeper-batter remained not out on 75 off 42 balls and won the Player of the Match award.

Match Details 

Pitch Report 

The highest total in Women's T20Is at this venue is 185/3, which was scored by New Zealand against the West Indies in 2018. The White Ferns are unbeaten at the venue, having registered five victories in as many matches. The pitch is expected to be on the balanced side with something in it for the batters as well as the bowlers.

Head-to-Head record 

Predicted Playing XIs 

New Zealand Women 

Suzie Bates (C), Georgia Plimmer, Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Polly Inglis (WK), Eden Carson, Jess Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair. 

Australia Women 

Georgia Voll, Beth Mooney (WK), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Charli Knott, Grace Harris, Tahlia McGrath (C), Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown.

Probable best performers:

Probable best batter: Beth Mooney

Mooney looked in sublime touch in the first T20I, hitting 75 runs off 42 balls, slamming 10 fours and a solitary six. She finished with a strike rate of 178.57. Mooney will look to continue from where she left off in Auckland. If she gets herself off to a start, expect her to make it count.

Probable best bowler: Darcie Brown

Darcie Brown bowled a brilliant spell in the first T20I. The right-arm speedster conceded just 22 runs from her four overs and picked up the wicket of New Zealand skipper Suzie Bates. Brown will look to give Australia wickets inside the powerplay and peg the hosts back.

Today's Match Prediction: Australia to win the match

Scenario 1  

• New Zealand Women win the toss and opt to bowl first
• Powerplay: 45-50
• AUS-W: 180-190
• Australia Women win the match  

Scenario 2  

• Australia Women win the toss and opt to bowl first
• Powerplay: 40-50
• NZ-W: 160-170
• Australia Women 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.