Australia Women vs New Zealand Women Predictions: Australia has won four out of the last five T20I games against New Zealand

Australia-W will be facing off against New Zealand-W in the 3rd game of the Women's T2 World Cup held in South Africa. Australia has won four out of the last five T20I games against New Zealand. Will they continue their impressive form against Kiwis or will they have something else to say?

Australia is one of the favourites to win this competition and they will start their campaign against neighbours New Zealand. They are coming on the back of a series of wins against India and Pakistan. They won the series by 4-1 and 2-0 respectively. The Aussie Women were however handed a shocking defeat against Ireland Women in the warm-up game which shows they are vulnerable to good performances. They won the next warm-up game against India easily though. They were able to defend just 129 runs against India. Beth Mooney will have the responsibility of giving the kangaroo women a good start after being the top scorer of the Women's BBL this season. With the ball, Megan Schutt will be the key wicket taker to look out for for the women in yellow. Australia has a very balanced side going into the game. 

BL Mooney, MM Lanning(C), GM Harris, TM McGrath, EA Perry, A Gardner, A King, Alyssa Healy, A Sutherland, ML Schutt, JL Jonassen

New Zealand is also coming into the game on the back of a series win against Bangladesh. They won the series 3-0. The White Ferns are expected to qualify for the semis from group A along with Australia. If they can knick a win over the favourites Aussies, their life can be a bit easier. All eyes will be on Suzie Bates who is essentially playing her last world cup. The Kiwis will look to give a good farewell to this veteran batsman. She is the top scorer of Women’s Super Smash and will have the responsibilty to give New Zealand women a great start. Amelia Kerr has taken five wickets in warm-up games and will be leading the White Ferns' bowling attack. Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr will be key to New Zealand's chances in the world cup. 

SW Bates, ML Green, LR Down, BM Halliday, SFM Devine(C), AC Kerr, LMM Tahuhu, Jess Kerr, HM Rowe, HNK Jensen, F Jonas

The pitch will assist both batters and bowlers equally. The average first innings total at Boland Park is 155 runs. The Pacers will get good help from the surface and they need to take advantage in the initial overs. Chasing will be easier comparatively and both the teams will look to bowl first given the conditions. Australian Women have an edge on paper going into the game and we expect the game to turn out in their favour given the recent performances.