With two more matches set for the Providence Stadium today, either Ireland or Pakistan will record their first win of the Women’s World T20 2018 while New Zealand will also be eager to get their name in the winner’s column against a dominating Australia.
Ireland and Pakistan will battle from 4 pm and New Zealand and Australia go head to head at 8 pm.
Pakistan
Pakistan are not yet in panic mode but with two losses in as many matches, there isn’t any more room for mistakes as they sit on the verge of a knockout and will want to get their act together.
Despite conditions that should be favouring them, Pakistan have not been able to get their batting accustomed to the conditions, scoring just 113-8 and 133-7 in their two matches.
Only Nida Dar and Bismah Mahroof have been able to score freely but in order for their side to come out on top against the team they first played International T20 against, the top order will need to fire.
Dar has already expressed the need to capitalize in the power play but with the lack of firepower at the top, a lot will depend on their captain, Javeria Khan to move them to competitive totals while Umaima Sohail is still to live up to her reputation.
Ireland
The Irish women, contrastingly from Pakistan have the firepower to rattle up big totals but lapses in judgement and poor shot selection have plagued the side and consigned it to low totals. In their first match against Australia, Ireland were confined to 93-6 and penalized five runs.
With a lot of experience in the side, the likes of Clare Shillington, former captain Isobel Joyce, Eimear Richardson, Gabby Lewis and Kim Garth will have to do more with the bat in order to give their bowlers, who have performed creditably, a chance in the competition.
Australia
The former champions have a chance to solidify their position at the top of the table and almost guarantee them a spot in the playoffs should they beat New Zealand.
Already on 11 straight wins, the girls from ‘down under’ will have momentum on their side in the form of their two openers, Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney who have put together consecutive fifty-run partnerships.
However, their middle order is yet to be tested and with the likes of the White Ferns quicks, it can be exposed.
The bowling department is solid with variations galore especially from their four- prong attack.
New Zealand
A horrid run in the Caribbean can very well continue for the White Ferns but if any team is capable of making a turn around, it is New Zealand.
On the backs of the number one ranked batter in the format, Suzie Bates who has scored a half century in her lone match of the competition, a familiar opposition can be the right spark to her continuing her form.
The most prolific run-getter in the division will need support from Sophie Devine and skipper Amy Satterthwaite as the word from the camp is a familiarity with the side can be the key to breaking the streak.
New Zealand will also have on their minds the conditions to which they do not have much time to adjust.
Playing in the dew will also pose some difficulty should they play on the same pitch as in the last match.
