Toss Ireland chose to bowl vs New Zealand

Ireland chose to bowl in sunny Southampton where New Zealand finally gave a game to Suzie Bates, in her farewell tournament, but in place of Sophie Devine, who fell sick.

Defending champions New Zealand are under immense pressure after losing their two opening games, with numerous catches put down. They are almost in must-win situation because if they lose to Ireland, they will not only have to win their remaining two matches but also hope West Indies win their remaining three matches and four teams end up on four points.

Captain Melie Kerr said they could improve their batting and bowling by “5%” but the real improvement had to come in their fielding department. She wasn’t “too bothered” about the toss and wanted to bat first, she said, while keeping their “body language and energy high”.

Ireland are similarly in a near-must-win territory. If they lose this game, they will also hope to finish on four points for a net-run-rate clash. Ireland made one change, bringing in Lara McBride for Alana Dalzell, who got scores of 14 and 6 in their first two matches.

The Hampshire Bowl will see a fresh wicket being used for this game after three games, of which New Zealand lost two and Ireland lost to England.

New Zealand: 1 Georgia Plimmer, 2 Izzy Gaze (wk), 3 Melie Kerr (capt), 4 Brooke Halliday, 5 Maddy Green, 6 Izzy Sharp, 7 Suzie Bates, 8 Jess Kerr, 9 Nensi Patel, 10 Rosemary Mair, 11 Bree Illing

Ireland: 1 Amy Hunter (wk), 2 Gaby Lewis (capt), 3 Orla Prendergast, 4 Rebecca Stokell, 5 Leah Paul, 6 Alice Tector, 7 Louise Little, 8 Arlene Kelly, 9 Aimee Maguire, 10 Cara Murray 11 Lara McBride