Women’s World Cup: New Zealand opt to bowl first against Pakistan, Tahuhu comes in for Illing
In Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium, New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl first in their Women’s World Cup clash against Pakistan on Saturday. The hosts made a single tweak to their lineup, bringing back fast bowler Lea Tahuhu for Bree Illing.
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine welcomed the decision. “We’re going to bowl first today,” she said after the toss. “We saw the pitch lift a bit in the England‑Pakistan game, and with the weather we’ve seen in Colombo, chasing can be a challenge. Let’s focus on the game.” She added that concentrating on the basics and the game plan would keep the team grounded. “We want a good challenge from Pakistan,” she noted.
Pakistan, on the other hand, left their XI unchanged. Captaining the side, Fatima Sana expressed confidence. “We have strong belief in our bowlers and fielders,” she said. “We hope the plan works better today and that we can bounce back and win.” She encouraged the team to stay with the same line‑up.
Pakistan’s XI
- Muneeba Ali
- Omaima Sohail
- Sidra Amin
- Aliya Riaz
- Natalia Pervaiz
- Fatima Sana (c)
- Sidra Nawaz
- Rameen Shamim
- Diana Baig
- Nashra Sandhu
- Sadia Iqbal
New Zealand’s XI
- Suzie Bates
- Georgia Plimmer
- Amelia Kerr
- Sophie Devine (c)
- Brooke Halliday
- Maddy Green
- Isabella Gaze
- Jess Kerr
- Rosemary Mair
- Lea Tahuhu
- Eden Carson
The match promises to test both teams on a potentially variable track, with New Zealand setting the tone by bowling first. The outcome will shape their momentum in the Women’s World Cup knock‑out stage.
Source: ianslive
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