England and New Zealand will face off in the 3rd ODI of their three-match series at the County Ground in Bristol on Wednesday, July 3. Here is everything to watch out for ahead of the game.
ENG-W vs NZ-W: Live score and ball-by-ball commentary
Follow the live score and get ball-by-ball updates for the England Women v New Zealand Women fixture here.
Today's England Women vs New Zealand Women match preview
England Women v New Zealand Women, 3rd ODI
Where: County Ground, Bristol
When: July 3, 1:00 pm local time
New Zealand's tour of England has not gone to plan at all, with the first two ODIs going the hosts' way in convinving fashion. In the first, the England spin trio of Sarah Glenn, Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone shared seven wickets to bowl the White Ferns out for 156. In the second, Ecclestone took five wickets before Maia Bouchier's belligerent maiden ODI ton helped England chase 142 in 24.3 overs.
There is only pride at stake in this match for New Zealand, who will be hoping for a confidence-boosting win after a couple of thrashings.
ENG-W vs NZ-W: Who are the key players?
Maia Bouchier
Bouchier has made a rollicking start to her ODI career, since debuting against Sri Lanka last September. An explosive option for England at the top of the order, she has already notched up scores of 67 (50) and 100* (88) in the series so far. Another big score could be on the cards for her on Wednesday.
Amelia Kerr
In a series which has seen a couple of crushing defeats for New Zealand, all-rounder Kerr remains one of the White Ferns' star players. She top-scored for New Zealand in the second ODI, but will be hoping to contribute with both bat and ball to secure a consolation win at least.
ENG-W vs NZ-W team news
England Women
England have used 13 of the 15 players available for this series. Sophia Dunkley, making a return to the squad after being dropped against Pakistan, is yet to play so she could get a go in Bristol. Uncapped seamer Ryana Mcdonald-Gay was called up as injury cover ahead of the series, but it is doubtful whether she will make her debut in the 3rd ODI.
New Zealand Women
New Zealand may stick to a similar XI as the previous two matches, as they look to salvage some pride. They brought the returning Lauren Down in for Hannah Rowe for the second ODI, while Eden Carson and Mikaela Greig have not played in the series yet.
ENG-W vs NZ-W: Predicted playing 11
England Women
Tammy Beaumont/Sophia Dunkley, Maia Bouchier, Heather Knight (c), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt, Amy Jones (wk), Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross, Sarah Glenn, Lauren Filer
New Zealand Women
Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (c), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze (wk), Jess Kerr, Molly Penfold, Fran Jonas
Pitch report and ground conditions
The County Ground at Bristol has hosted 16 women's ODIs, with the most recent one coming in July 2023. Scores in excess of 250 are not uncommon here, and England themselves scored 337 against South Africa as recently as 2022. The weather forecast is promising, with a low chance of rain during the match hours.
Team form (most recent first)
England Women: WWWWL
New Zealand Women: LLWLL
Odds and match prediction
According to Stake, England Women are favourites to win this match.
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