Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 warm-up match, New Zealand vs Thailand: Preview, prediction, squads

Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 warm-up match, New Zealand vs Thailand: Preview, prediction, squads

Suleeporn Laomi Thailand Women

New Zealand Women will meet Thailand Women in their respective first warm-up matches ahead of the T20 World Cup. This is Thailand’s maiden appearance in the big tournament, and while they are unlikely to win a match, they will want to be remembered as a team that made things tough for every opposition.

However, they have achieved a feat – of most wins by any side (21) in 2019. In fact, no other team has won more than even 14. While they have not played the top eight sides and have a 0-3 record against Bangladesh, they boast of a record of 3-0 against both Ireland and Netherlands, 2-0 against Hong Kong, and 1-1 against Scotland. While these performances have not exactly prepared themselves for New Zealand, they are likely to put up a fight.

New Zealand were knocked out in the first round of the 2018 edition, but since then they have won 6 matches and lost 1. However, both series (3-0 against India, 3-1 against South Africa) both came at home. The true, hard Australian pitches are a different experience – though several New Zealand cricketers are regular at the WBBL.

Head to head

The teams have never met.

Key players

Sophie Devine (New Zealand Women): Even if we forget her illustrious career for a moment, Devine is perhaps the most in-form cricketer in the world. She crossed fifty every time (and got a hundred) against South Africa and scored 297 runs (strike rate 151) when nobody else reached even 100 – along with picking up 4 wickets.

Nattaya Boochatham: Thailand have got international status (as have all countries) only last year, and Boochatham has emerged as their most potent cricketer over this period. No Thai bowler has taken more wickets than her 48; only two have scored more runs; and her economy is an astonishing 3.57 an over.

Squads

New Zealand Women: Sophie Devine (c), Rachel Priest (wk), Suzie Bates, Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Holly Huddleston, Hayley Jensen, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Katey Martin, Katie Perkins, Anna Peterson, Lea Tahuhu.

Thailand Women: Somnarin Tippoch (c), Nattaya Boochatham (vc), Nannapat Koncharoenkai (wk), Chanida Sutthiruang, Naruemol Chaiwai, Nattakan Chantam, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Rosenan Kanoh, Suwanan Khiaoto, Suleeporn Laomi, Soraya Lateh, Wongpaka Liengprasert, Phannita Maya, Ratanaporn Padunglerd, Thipatcha Putthawong.

Prediction

New Zealand to win. Thailand will do well to reach 70-odd or take a wicket or two.