New Zealand faced a narrow loss to India in their last encounter. The loss came as a surprise to many where their captain Sophie Devine has been in a devastating form. However, that defeat made the qualification equation a little tough since the hosts and the defending champion Australia are also in the same group and India have already qualified for the semi-finals.
However, the game against Bangladesh will be crucial for them as that will make their chance a little better before the virtual quarterfinal against Australia. But if they failed to win, a little ray of hope can be seen for the rest two teams – Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, who are yet to open their account in this competition.
While New Zealand started their campaign with a victory in their opening game against Sri Lanka, they failed to cope up and crumbled under the pressure created by the Indian spinners. Bowlers sent back the key players – Rachel Priest, Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine in the first 10 overs. Since Bangladesh have plenty of spin options, their batting might come under the scanner if they fail again.
On the other hand, there are positives too. Amelia Kerr showed her calibre at the end of their chase against India. She scored a quickfire 19-ball 34* with 6 boundaries and took the side to near the finish line. Along with this, their pace attack might pose a trouble for Bangladesh since they were seen struggling against the Aussie quicks in their last game.
Bangladesh showed a pretty ordinary show on the field where they managed to dismiss only Alyssa Healy that too in the 17th over. Lots of missed chances and slow work behind the stumps left them as an ordinary side. For New Zealand, Anna Peterson came in place of Katie Perkins in the last game and did pretty well so they might retain her.
On the other hand, Khadija Tul Kubra came in for Panna Ghosh in their last game against Australia but had an expensive outing. Ghosh could return since she had a good day against India – picking up a couple of wickets while conceding only 25 runs.
Squads:
Bangladesh
Shamima Sultana, Murshida Khatun, Sanjida Islam, Nigar Sultana (WK), Fargana Hoque, Rumana Ahmed, Fahima Khatun, Jahanara Alam, Salma Khatun (C), Khadija Tul Kubra, Nahida Akter, Panna Ghosh, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Ayasha Rahman
New Zealand
Rachel Priest (WK), Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Maddy Green, Katey Martin, Amelia Kerr, Hayley Jensen, Anna Peterson, Leigh Kasperek, Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair, Jess Kerr, Lauren Down, Holly Huddleston, Katie Perkins
