*SRILANKA WOMEN VS NEWZEALAND WOMEN 1st ODI PREVIEW- ICC CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH*
*BUILD UP:*
Galle is such a magical place to be on a tour to. It has a rich cricketing history and though the women of our game haven’t had a big role to play in its history, they have a chance now to come on top at their home ground against the Sophie Devine led Newzealand.
These two sides do not have alot of games to remember, the last one dating back to 2017,6 years ago. Srilanka will not have happy memories going into this series because the last five games that these sides have played vs each other in this format have all resulted in the blackcaps sealing wins by a fair margin on most of the occasions with the latest one being a 9 wicket bashing with 74 balls to spare. But with a big change in the setups post 2017, this could well turn out to be a high octane clash.
*SRILANKA PROBABLE XI:*
Chamari Athapaththu (c), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Imesha Dulani, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Nilakshi de Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Oshadi Ranasinghe, Kawya Kavindi, Inoka Ranaweera, Udeshika Prabodhani
Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama must put runs at the top, as it has been a problem area for the team. Chamari Athapaththu is their most important batter, and she must build partnerships with Nilakshi de Silva and Imesha Dulani.
The skipper of the side has an average of 44 with a strike rate of near 90 in her last ten outings and will be a crucial pick if they are to come on top.
Kawya Kavindi and Oshadi Ranasinghe must get early breakthroughs for the team, as the Kiwis have a very strong batting attack. The bowlers know the conditions better than anyone else and this could play into the hands of the host.
*NEWZEALAND PROBABLE XI:*
Sophie Devine (c), Bernadine Bezuidenhout (wk), Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Maddy Green, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson, Molly Penfold
Sophie Devine and her team will feel confident going into this contest. They have an excellent record against Sri Lankans and will look to build on that. The side is strong and has good hitters. Devine would like to see a professional approach from her players and won't like them to be complacent.
Bernadine Bezuidenhout has done well in recent matches, and she will look to set up a big opening wicket stand with Suzie Bates. The latter averages 48.75 in her last ten outings and has shown some worth noting consistency. Her form going into this mouth watering clash will be extremely fruitful.
Hannah Rowe is one bowler I will be keenly looking at as the series progresses. She has 9 wickets in her last 7 encounters with an economy of under 5 an over.
*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE GAME:*
*FOR SL:*
Highest run getter- Chamari Athapatthu/ Harshita Samarawickrama
Highest wicket taker- Oshadi Ranasinghe
*FOR NZ:*
Highest run getter- Suzie Bates/Sophie Devine
Highest wicket taker- Hannah Rowe
*FOR THIS GAME:*
SL W to win