New Zealand vs England, 1st Women’s T20I Tips & Preview - Both Sides Ready To Put Their Strengths To Test

By Nikhil Kalro

16 Mar 2024

Nikhil Kalro 16 Mar 2024

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Cricketers are grappling with a clash between the England vs NZ tour and the WPL
Despite key players withdrawing, fresh talent is getting an unprecedented chance
England is anticipated to be the firm favorites in the upcoming series

Kate Cross of England celebrates after taking a wicket (Getty Images)

We’ve seen it happen a fair bit in men’s cricket, where a marquee international series clashes with the IPL. Now, the WPL clashes with England’s tour of New Zealand, which has led to a bit of an imbalance on both sides.

Mair, Kasperek rewarded for domestic form
England’s chance to test bench strength
Tips and Predictions

England’s captain Heather Knight pulled out of her WPL deal with RCB to be available for the series, but New Zealand will miss the services of two key players in Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr, to begin with. Devine will feature in Sunday’s WPL final for RCB, while Kerr has just finished her WPL commitments with Mumbai Indians and is unlikely to arrive in New Zealand in time for the start of the series.

Kate Cross is missing for England, as is Nat-Sciver Brunt, but they’ll be relieved if Danni Wyatt is available. As such, the series has made news for those absent than those in the mix. History of recent cricket, however, makes England the firm favourites going into the series, which serves as excellent preparation for the T20 World Cup to be played in Bangladesh this September.

Mair, Kasperek rewarded for domestic form

Rosemary Mair and Leigh Kasperek’s domestic performances in the Super Smash has seen them make comebacks. Kasperek played a key role in Wellington winning the competition, her 27 wickets the second-most in the competition. The off spinner returned with an impressive economy of 5.38. That she can bowl across all phases of a T20I innings makes her a vital prospect.

Mair returns to the setup having last played in August 2022. She was the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the Super Smash. Her 14 wickets included dream figures of 4 for 5 in the final. Central Districts lost by one run, but Mair had done enough to earn a recall.

England’s chance to test bench strength

The England and Wales Cricket Board tries to move the dates of the series around, with four key players unavailable due to WPL commitments, but they couldn’t solve the impasse with the BCCI. With the WPL dates only being announced way later, NZC couldn’t have back-tracked on the logistics arranged for the tour at short notice.

England’s coach Jon Lewis himself arrived only two days ago in New Zealand following coaching commitments with UP Warriorz in the WPL. Lauren Bell and Knight’s availability lends teeth to England’s otherwise new-look squad. Issy Wong hasn’t been picked in either formats.

New Zealand vs England, 1st Women’s T20I - Tips & Predictions

England will have their WPL players come back slowly for the back end of the T20I series. To begin with, they’re light on experience internationally, but have played plenty of domestic cricket and start favorites against a new-look New Zealand.