Women’s World Cup 2025: Australia vs New Zealand; Who Will Start Strong?

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Indore is set to host an exciting Women’s World Cup clash as Australia faces New Zealand at the Holkar Stadium on Wednesday. Both teams will look to kickstart their campaigns with a win.

Australia will look to Beth Mooney and Annabel Sutherland for strong performances with the bat, while Alana King and Ashley Gardner are expected to trouble the opposition with the ball.

New Zealand will rely on Maddy Green and Georgia Plimmer for batting, while Eden Carson and Jess Kerr could create challenges for Australian batters with their bowling.

Historically, since 1973, Australia and New Zealand have faced each other in 135 women’s ODIs, with Australia winning 102 matches and New Zealand winning only 31. Two matches ended in a tie.

The curator at Indore has prepared a flat pitch for the game, confirmed by New Zealand captain Sophie Devine, suggesting a high-scoring encounter.

On Wednesday, Indore is expected to have a maximum temperature of 30°C and a minimum of 21°C. The skies may be partly cloudy, but no rain is expected during the match.

The match will start at 3 PM IST, with the toss scheduled half an hour earlier. Live telecast will be on Star Sports Network, while live streaming will be available on the JioCinema/Hotstar app.

New Zealand Women’s Squad: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (captain), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (wk), Jess Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson, Briarne Illing, Holly Huddleston, Bella James, Flora Devonshire.

Australia Women’s Squad: Alyssa Healy (wk/captain), Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Ashley Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Alana King, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt, Darcy Brown, Heather Graham, Sophie Molinex, Phoebe Litchfield.