Another England Vs New Zealand unfolds in Women’s World Cup

VISAKHAPATNAM: England and New Zealand meet in a World Cup clash that carries little on the line but plenty of pride. NZ won the toss and chose to bat first. So far they have put 155 on the board in 33 overs, with 5 wickets still in hand. England will get its chance later, if the weather cooperates.

The match unfolds while the men’s New Zealand team has thrashed England with 80 balls still remaining.

Here in the Women’s World Cup, a win for England would see them finish second in the group, though it won’t alter their semi-final opponent – South Africa awaits regardless. Still, securing the higher spot could prove useful if the Guwahati knockout is affected by weather.

New Zealand, meanwhile, risk slipping down the table to seventh or eighth, though such a scenario is unlikely. The White Ferns are determined to end their campaign on a high note after a challenging tournament that included two washouts in Colombo and losses to South Africa, India, and Australia, with their only completed win coming against Bangladesh.

This match also carries emotional weight for New Zealand, as it marks the final ODI for captain Sophie Devine, who announced she will retire at the end of the World Cup. At 36, Devine has been the standout performer for the team, amassing over 4,200 runs and taking 110 wickets in her ODI career. Veteran teammate Suzie Bates, 38, may also be playing her last World Cup match.

England has largely relied on a consistent XI, with captain Nat Sciver-Brunt leading a well-balanced lineup bolstered by a spin trio of Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, and Charlie Dean. These bowlers have taken 27 wickets in the tournament, maintaining tight economy rates.

New Zealand’s line-up features a mix of experience and youth, with Devine and Bates anchoring the batting, and Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, and Lea Tahuhu leading the bowling attack. Eden Carson has faced scrutiny after taking only two wickets in the tournament.

The pitch in Visakhapatnam has historically favored high scores, with previous matches seeing totals above 330, but the looming cyclone and intermittent rain could make conditions tricky.