NZ-W Vs SL-W, 2nd ODI: Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Cricket Tips & Pitch Report

The New Zealand Women’s cricket team is set to take on Sri Lanka in the second One Day International (ODI) of their three-match series at Saxton Oval in Nelson on March 7, 2025. After the opening match was washed out due to rain, both teams will be eager to register their first win in this crucial contest.

With the series now effectively a two-match battle, the second ODI becomes even more significant. A win here would provide a vital advantage heading into the final game, making this an exciting and pressure-filled clash.

Match Details: NZ-W vs SL-W, 2nd ODI

Date: March 7, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM local / 03:30 AM IST / 10:00 PM GMT (March 6)
Venue: Saxton Oval, Nelson

A Look at the Venue: Saxton Oval

The Saxton Oval in Nelson is a picturesque cricket ground that has hosted a handful of international fixtures. It will be hosting only its second-ever Women’s One Day International (WODI), making this match a special occasion for the venue.

Historically, the ground has witnessed one Men’s ODI, which was played in 2014. It is known for offering balanced playing conditions, making it an exciting venue for a competitive game of cricket.

Pitch Report: A Testing Surface for Batters

The pitch at Saxton Oval is expected to provide assistance to both bowlers and batters at different stages of the game.

Early Conditions: The morning session is likely to favor seam bowlers, as the pitch is expected to offer movement and bounce. Batting first could be tricky, with openers needing to play cautiously against the new ball.
Middle Overs: As the match progresses, the pitch is expected to settle down, allowing batters to play their strokes more freely.
Spin Factor: While the pitch doesn’t offer excessive turn, spinners could play a role in controlling the middle overs and breaking crucial partnerships.
Toss Strategy: The team winning the toss might prefer to bowl first, considering the initial assistance for fast bowlers.

Weather Forecast: Will Rain Play Spoilsport Again?

The first ODI was completely washed out due to heavy rain, and fans will be hoping for clearer skies this time.

As per current forecasts:

The weather in Nelson is expected to be partly cloudy with minimal chances of rain.
Temperatures will range between 16°C to 19°C, providing cool and comfortable conditions for players.
The wind factor could come into play, assisting swing bowlers early on.

However, given the unpredictability of the weather, both teams will remain cautious about potential interruptions.

Team Previews & Key Players to Watch

New Zealand Women: Injury Woes and a Determined Comeback

The White Ferns come into this series with a few setbacks due to injuries. One of the biggest blows is the absence of Lauren Down, who has been ruled out due to a back injury. This adds to their challenges, as she was already a replacement for Bella James, who suffered a quadricep strain.

Additionally, Sophie Devine is missing this series as she takes a break for her well-being, while Amelia Kerr is unavailable due to her commitments with the Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

Despite these absences, Suzie Bates leads the side, bringing in her vast experience and leadership skills.

Key Players for New Zealand:

Suzie Bates (C) – The most experienced player in the team, Bates will be the backbone of New Zealand’s batting lineup.
Maddy Green – A dependable batter who will be key in stabilizing the innings.
Jess Kerr – A quality all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball.
Hannah Rowe – A consistent bowler who can be crucial with early wickets.
Isabella Gaze – A promising young wicketkeeper-batter looking to make an impact.

Sri Lanka Women: Banking on Experience & Athapaththu’s Brilliance

Sri Lanka enters this match with a well-balanced squad, led by their charismatic captain Chamari Athapaththu. She remains their most dangerous player, with her ability to dominate bowling attacks.

The Sri Lankan batting unit will rely heavily on Harshitha Samarawickrama and Nilakshi de Silva to support their captain. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Achini Kulasuriya and Sugandika Kumari, will look to exploit the conditions early on.

Key Players for Sri Lanka:

Chamari Athapaththu (C) – The powerhouse all-rounder who can single-handedly change the game.
Harshitha Samarawickrama – A stylish left-hander who can anchor the innings.
Achini Kulasuriya – A talented seamer who can extract movement from the pitch.
Sugandika Kumari – A spin bowler who will play a crucial role in the middle overs.
Anushka Sanjeewani – A wicketkeeper-batter who can provide stability in the top order.

Dream11 Fantasy Predictions for NZ-W vs SL-W

For fantasy cricket enthusiasts, selecting the right players is crucial. Given the conditions and key performers, here’s a suggested Dream11 lineup:

Dream11 Picks:

Wicketkeepers:

Anushka Sanjeewani
Isabella Gaze

Batters:

Harshitha Samarawickrama
Maddy Green
Nilakshi de Silva

All-rounders:

Chamari Athapaththu (Captain)
Suzie Bates (Vice-Captain)
Jess Kerr

Bowlers:

Achini Kulasuriya
Sugandika Kumari
Hannah Rowe

Backup Picks:

Brooke Halliday
Emma McLeod
Manudi Nanayakkara
Rashmika Sewwandi

Squads for the 2nd ODI

New Zealand Women’s Squad:

Suzie Bates (C)
Isabella Gaze
Maddy Green
Georgia Plimmer
Brooke Halliday
Emma McLeod
Eden Carson
Fran Jonas
Jess Kerr
Hannah Rowe
Bree Illing
Polly Inglis

Sri Lanka Women’s Squad:

Chamari Athapaththu (C)
Imesha Dulani
Vishmi Gunaratne
Harshitha Samarawickrama
Anushka Sanjeewani
Kaushini Nuthyangana
Nilakshi de Silva
Kavisha Dilhari
Manudi Nanayakkara
Rashmika Sewwandi
Inoshi Priyadharshani
Achini Kulasuriya
Sugandika Kumari
Sachini Nisansala
Udeshika Prabodhani
Chethana Vimukthi

Final Thoughts: A Must-Win Encounter

With the series opener ending in a washout, this second ODI becomes a virtual do-or-die match for both teams. New Zealand will look to capitalize on home advantage and bounce back from their injury concerns. On the other hand, Sri Lanka, with their experienced captain leading from the front, will aim to pull off a historic victory.

Expect a thrilling contest at Saxton Oval as both teams battle it out for supremacy!

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