New Zealand Women vs South Africa Women, 2nd T20I, Hamilton: Preview, prediction, likely XIs

The second T20 between New Zealand Women and South Africa Women will be played on February 6, 2020, in Hamilton.

After a convincing win in the first game, New Zealand would look forward to continue their domination in the upcoming one as well whereas South Africa must look for a win.

After being defeated by South Africa in the ODI series (3-0), New Zealand made a strong comeback and won the first T20 by nine wickets. Amelia Kerr and Leigh Kasperek were their star with the ball as both finished with 2/17. Sophie Devine controlled the chase and in the due process scored a half-century (54 off 32 balls) to take New Zealand to the finishing line in the 13^th over. This is a warm-up tournament before the ICC T20 World Cup and no wonder New Zealand are looking for a big series win just before the mega event.

For South Africa, Sune Luus missed the last fixture but could return to the team for this game Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk could be set to return as well after missing the last game due to minor injuries. Speaking about the form, South Africa lost their last T20 series against India and then began this series with a loss too. The batting was terrible as the tourists were able to score 116/7. The bowlers were expensive too, although they did not have enough total to defend. After winning the 50-overs series, South Africans must show some resistance in this 5-match T20 series as well.

Head to head

New Zealand are leading this tally 7-1.

Key players

Sophie Devine (New Zealand)- Sophie Devine is one of the world’s top players and she showed her class with the attacking fifty during the chase in the first T20. Her aggressive batting will be a key factor for New Zealand whether they are setting a target or chasing.

Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)- Laura Wolvaardt top-scored for South Africa Women in the first match with 33. With three key all-rounders, doubtful South Africa would look to get at least one big score from their top order and Wolvaatdt has the potential to deliver regularly.

Likely XIs

New Zealand- Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Rachel Priest (wk), Maddy Green, Katey Martin, Katie Perkins Leigh Kasperek, Lea Tahuhu, Amelia Kerr, Hayley Jensen, Rosemary Mair

South Africa- Lizelle Lee (wk), Sune Luus, Mignon du Preez, Laura Wolvaardt, Nadine de Klerk, Dane van Niekerk (c), Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Shabnim Ismail, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka

Prediction

New Zealand to win.