Mount Maunganui is set to host the second Women’s T20I match between New Zealand Women and Australia Women on March 23, 2025, with the match starting at 7:15 AM IST (2:45 PM local time). The opening match of the series saw Australia Women claim a comfortable victory over New Zealand Women, putting the visitors in a commanding position.
In the first T20I held at Eden Park in Auckland on March 21, Australia Women chased down New Zealand’s target of 138 runs with relative ease, reaching 138 for 2 in just 13.3 overs. The success can largely be attributed to the stellar performances of wicket-keeper batter Beth Mooney and opener Georgia Voll. Mooney stood out with an impressive 75 not out off 42 balls while Voll contributed a solid 50 runs, leading their team to an emphatic win by eight wickets.
New Zealand Women batted first and initially appeared poised to set a competitive total, with Amelia Kerr top-scoring with 51 runs off 46 deliveries. However, their final score of 137 showcased some struggles, particularly in establishing momentum against a disciplined Australian bowling attack led by Tahlia McGrath and Darcie Brown, both of whom grabbed a wicket during the innings.
The White Ferns have had a rough start to the series and will be determined to make a strong comeback in the second T20I. After losing the first match, their captain Suzie Bates expressed confidence in the team's ability to bounce back. "We are ready to bounce back and keep the series alive," Bates remarked, emphasizing the need for a resilient performance from her squad.
Meanwhile, Australia aims to maintain their winning momentum and secure the series victory with another win. As captain Tahlia McGrath asserted, "We played well last match, and we want to keep that momentum going." Australia boasts a formidable lineup, and their recent performances indicate strong form.
The weather for the upcoming match is forecasted to be pleasant, with clear skies and a temperature of 16°C, making the conditions favorable for batting. The Bay Oval pitch typically supports both batters and bowlers, with seam movement expected to be vital for success. Traditionally, teams chasing have had an incredible success rate here, winning 90% of the time, making it a significant factor for both teams when making decisions on the field.
New Zealand Women, however, must improve their batting performance, particularly focusing on their approach to the powerplay. The opening partnership between Bates and Plimmer failed to gain traction in the first match, an issue they will need to address urgently. The experienced Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr look to turn around their fortunes, given the former's recent return to the game after a mental health break.
In terms of player changes, New Zealand has a new addition to their squad, while Australia will see the replacement of Ashleigh Gardner, who has been sidelined due to a fractured right index finger sustained during the first T20I. Charli Knott has been named as Gardner’s replacement, adding depth to the Australian lineup.
As the teams prepare for this crucial encounter, predictions lean heavily in favor of Australia Women, following their dominating display in the series opener. With every opportunity on the line, New Zealand will look for key contributions from their star players to level the series.
Every run will count in this next match-up, and cricket fans worldwide will be eager to see whether New Zealand Women can reclaim their form or if Australia Women will solidify their series lead.
Australia Women currently lead the T20I series 1-0, and the anticipation builds as the second match promises to deliver intense action as both teams fight for victory.
Stay tuned to see how the series unfolds!
