WT20WC 2024 Day Six Preview: Old rivals set for Sharjah showdown
Trans-Tasman rivals Australia and New Zealand will battle it out at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on Tuesday 8 October in a match that will have a big say on who qualifies for the semi-finals at the event.
Australia v New Zealand | Whatever It Takes Preview | WT20WC2024
Australia and New Zealand each registered comfortable victories in their opening matches at the tournament and another victory here will have them in the box seat to earn a spot in the knockout stages.
Australia v New Zealand
Australia v New Zealand, Tuesday 8 October (18:00 local), Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
These two teams know each other extremely well, given their close proximity geographically and the fact that they played out a three-match T20I series just prior to the start of the tournament.
It was Australia that claimed that series with an emphatic 3-0 whitewash, but the White Ferns were not totally outclassed in any of those matches and will fancy their chances of a second consecutive upset at the T20 World Cup.
New Zealand registered an impressive 58-run victory over India in their tournament opener and will be high on confidence courtesy of that result heading into the Australia contest.
New Zealand secure complete win over India in Dubai | Match Highlights | WT20WC 2024.
Skipper Sophie Devine hit an excellent half-century in that victory, while pacers Rosemary Mair and Lea Tahuhu combined to take seven wickets in an eye-catching display with the ball.
That win over India was in Dubai and the conditions in Sharjah might suit the slower bowlers more if going on previous results at the ground this tournament, although Australia quick Megan Schutt did claim a three-wicket haul at this venue against Sri Lanka last week.
Australia's batting depth might just give them the edge in this clash, although another tight contest is almost ensured.
What They Said
Australia bowler Megan Schutt: "It'll be a great match (against New Zealand). We've obviously just come off a series against them in Australian conditions so it'll be an even tougher match-up here."
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine: "We just want to give absolutely everything to this jersey, to this team and hopefully we can go deep in this tournament, and tonight's game (win over India) is certainly one step on that journey, But we know, as I said, that there's still a long way to go in this tournament."
The Squads
Australia: Alyssa Healy (c), Darcie Brown, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (vc), Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham
New Zealand: Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu
Behind the scenes of Australia's media day | WT20WC 2024
The T20 World Cup will see 23 matches held in total over 18 days, with all matches in the two host cities of Dubai and Sharjah.
Fans can purchase tickets online or directly at the stadiums, for more information on where to buy click here.
