Australia Women vs New Zealand Women - Preview and Predicted XI

The Australian Women's team are set to host the White Ferns in the first ODI at the iconic WACA stadium in Perth. Both the sides will be eyeing to start this crucial series on a winning note. The Australian Women and New Zealand Women will collide once again in an exciting Trans-Tasman rivalry. The second and third games of the series will be played in Adelaide and Melbourne on February 24 and March 3 respectively.

AUSTRALIA WOMEN

Australian Cricket Team

The Australian Women's team have been a dominant force in the world since the very beginning. Beating them in their home conditions will be an uphill task for the New Zealand team. The hosts have never lost an ODI series against New Zealand at home for three decades. The reigning T20 World Cup champions have often been regarded as one of the best women's cricket team to have ever played the sport.

BATTING

The home side looks like the favorites to clinch the ODI series against a quality opponent. Their batting lineup is the strongest in limited-overs cricket as they possess real match-winners in their ranks. Alyssa Healy and Meg Lanning will be crucial for the hosts at the top of the order, while Beth Mooney will provide in the firepower in the middle order.

BOWLING

The Australia Women's team also have a lethal bowling attack which can destroy any batting unit. Ellyse Perry can be dangerous with the new ball along with Megan Schutt. Australia will be eager to show another world-class performance in front of their home crowd. They have the right combination of youth and experience in their squad which makes them unique.

Predicted Playing XI- Alyssa Healy, Elyse Villani, Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry, Rachael Haynes, Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner, Jess Jonassen, Nicola Carey, Georgia Wareham, and Megan Schutt.

NEW ZEALAND

Sophie Devine has been in good form for the White Ferns

New Zealand, on the other hand, were humiliated by India in their backyard. Having lost the ODI series by a 4-1 margin, the White Ferns made a strong comeback in the T20I series. Defeating Australia in their home is no easy feat, but the Kiwi eves can achieve it with their talented squad. The visitors will be hoping to win their first-ever ODI series Down Under in the last 30 years. Both the teams last met in the Rose Bowl ODI series in 2017. Having lost the first match, Australia bounced back in style to seal the series by 2-1.

BATTING

With the firepower of Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates in their ranks, New Zealand has the capability to defeat the Australian outfit. Amy Satterthwaite's role will be pivotal to the visitor's success. The White Ferns must be eyeing to surprise the hosts in the opening game as the latter hadn't played a single ODI since October last year.

BOWLING

Anna Peterson and Amelia Kerr are the mainstays of the White Ferns bowling lineup. They will have the responsibility to give crucial breakthroughs so that they can dominate the tie in the opening game. Lea Tahuhu can play a crucial role with the new ball. She would be hoping to get some early wickets to put Australia under some immense pressure.

Probable Playing XI: Suzie Bates, Lauren Down, Amy Satterthwaite, Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr, Katey Martin, Katie Perkins, Leigh Kasperek, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu and Anna Peterson