ICC Women's World Cup 2022: Match 1, NZ-W vs WI-W Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match?

New Zealand will face off against the West Indies in the opening match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on March 4. The hosts are in splendid form coming into this tournament having beaten India 4-1 in the recently-concluded bilateral ODI series at home.

With the home advantage to bank on, the Kiwis seem to be peaking at the right time in all three departments of the game as they eye their second ODI world title. They suffered a four-wicket loss against Pakistan in the first warm-up fixture before going on to beat Australia by nine wickets.

The West Indies, on the other hand, would be hoping to make a statement by finding the much-needed momentum that they have been lacking so far. It remains to be noted that their record in One Day Internationals has been disappointing, to say the least.

Ever since the last edition of the Women’s World Cup in 2017, the Caribbean team has only managed to win 15 games out of 39  and have a win percentage of 40.5 in the 50-overs format. They lost both their warm-up matches by huge margins (90 runs ) to Australia and (81 runs ) to India respectively.

New Zealand vs West Indies ICC Women’s World Cup 2022, Match 1

Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui

Date & Time:  March 4th at 1:00 AM GMT, 2:00 PM LOCAL and 6:30 AM IST

Live Streaming: Star Sports Network for Television and Disney + Hotstar app for live streaming

Pitch Report:

The wicket is expected to suit the batters more than the bowlers and with no dew factor in place, things will only get tougher for the chasing team in the second innings should the target be a stiff one. The average first innings total at the Bay Oval is 256.

In the 14 ODIs that have been played at the venue, teams batting first and chasing have each won seven matches. Nonetheless, the captain winning the toss in the curtain-raiser will be looking forward to bowling first and get the feel of the fresh pitch on offer.

Probable Playing XIs for New Zealand W vs West Indies W

New Zealand W

Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, Amy Satterthwaite, Frances Mackay, Georgia Plimmer, Katey Martin (wk), Hayley Jensen, Hannah Rowe, Rosemary Mair, Jess Kerr

West Indies W

Deandra Dottin, Rashada Williams, Chedean Nation, Mandy Mangru, Hayley Matthews, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Cherry Ann Fraser, Afy Fletcher, Anisa Mohammed (c), Shamilia Connell, Aaliyah Alleyne

New Zealand W vs West Indies W Head to Head

Overall games-19, New Zealand W-11, West Indies W-7, NR-1

Probable Top Performers

Probable best batter: Amy Satterthwaite

Amy Satterthwaite has been one of New Zealand’s most consistent and reliable performers with the bat. She scored 166 runs averaging 33.20 in the recently concluded five-match ODI series against India. White Ferns vice-captain has amassed 4464 runs at an average of 38.81 and a strike rate of 75.71 from 138 matches including seven centuries and 26 half-centuries. With a wealth of experience under her belt, the senior batter would be expected to do the bulk of scoring against the Stafanie Taylor-led side at the Bay Oval.

Probable best bowler:  Jess Kerr

Jess Kerr has been one of the greatest finds for New Zealand as far as their bowling department is concerned. The medium-pacer has the ability to run through the best batting line-up and provide breakthroughs for her side at regular intervals. She took seven wickets in the India ODIs averaging 13.1 and an economy of 4.34. In 13 ODIs, the oldest of the Kerr sisters has registered 17 scalps with the best bowling figures of 4/35. She would now be expected to make the ball talk in the most important tournament in women’s cricket.

Disclaimer: This 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