New Zealand Women vs Pakistan Women ODI Match Preview – 18 October 2025

Match Details

• Teams: New Zealand Women vs Pakistan Women
• Format: ODI (50 Overs)
• Date: Saturday, 18 October 2025
• Time: 03:00 PM GMT
• Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
• Series: New Zealand Women tour of India and Sri Lanka
• Match Number: 19th Match

Venue & Pitch Report

The match will be played at the R Premadasa Stadium, a venue known for its consistent and slightly spin-friendly surface. While the pitch is generally good for batting, the middle overs can offer assistance to spinners, especially in the later stages of the innings. The Colombo conditions are usually warm and favorable for batting, making it a high-scoring potential game.

Head-to-Head Record

In their previous encounters, New Zealand Women have held a strong advantage over Pakistan Women, with a clear edge in ODI history. New Zealand's disciplined bowling and strong lower-order batting have often been the difference in these matches.

Team News

New Zealand Women

• New Zealand is coming off a strong performance in their recent fixtures, with standout performances from their top order and spinners.
• Key players like Liz Kelland (captain) and Sophie Devine are expected to lead the charge with both bat and ball.
• The spin duo of Lea Tahuhu and Erin Routledge is expected to be the key in the field.
• No major injuries or unavailability reported.

Pakistan Women

• Pakistan has shown improvement in their recent matches, with Nida Dar continuing to be a pivotal all-rounder.
• The middle order, led by Sadia Iqbal, has been a reliable source of runs.
• Anam Amin and Fatima Sana are expected to provide the early momentum in the batting.
• Pakistan's pace attack could pose a threat on a slowish pitch.

Probable Playing XI

New Zealand Women (Probable XI)

1. Suzie Bates
2. Sophie Devine (VC)
3. Lea Tahuhu (VC)
4. Jess Watkin
5. Erin Routledge
6. Amelia Kerr
7. Sarah Gottdiener
8. Katey Martin
9. Lucy Henry
10. Georgia Plimmer
11. Hannah Rowe

Pakistan Women (Probable XI)

1. Bismah Maroof
2. Nida Dar (VC)
3. Anam Amin
4. Sadia Iqbal
5. Diana Eshaq
6. Fatima Sana
7. Sidra Ameen
8. Hira Khan
9. Aliya Riaz
10. Sana Mir
11. Khadija Shams
12. Shams Afridi (Bench)

Key Matchup to Watch

• Sophie Devine (New Zealand) vs Pakistan's Spinners: Devine is a crucial run-scorer and could be the difference in the match. The spinners from Pakistan will look to contain her in the middle overs.
• Nida Dar (Pakistan) vs New Zealand's Pace: Nida Dar has been a consistent performer and could be the key for Pakistan. The Kiwi pace duo will look to strike early against her.
• Spin Battle: The middle overs will be crucial, with both sides having strong spin options. Who controls this phase could dictate the match outcome.

Toss Prediction & Strategy

• Toss Prediction: New Zealand Women are expected to win the toss.
• Strategic Choice: If New Zealand wins the toss, they are likely to bat first, capitalizing on the good batting conditions and looking to post a competitive total.

Prediction Summary

• Win Probability:

  • New Zealand Women: 60%
  • Pakistan Women: 40%

• Top Run-Scorer Prediction:

  • Sophie Devine (New Zealand) – 65+ runs
  • Sadia Iqbal (Pakistan) – 50+ runs

• Top Wicket-Taker Prediction:

  • Lea Tahuhu (New Zealand) – 3 wickets
  • Sana Mir (Pakistan) – 2 wickets

• Man of the Match: Sophie Devine (New Zealand)

Fantasy Cricket Tips

• Captain (C): Sophie Devine
• Vice-Captain (VC): Nida Dar
• Must-Include Players:
  • New Zealand: Sophie Devine, Lea Tahuhu, Erin Routledge
  • Pakistan: Nida Dar, Sadia Iqbal, Sana Mir
• Wicketkeeper: Jess Watkin (New Zealand)
• All-Rounder: Nida Dar

Final Verdict

The match promises to be a competitive and exciting encounter between two strong teams. While New Zealand holds a slight edge due to their historical dominance and current form, Pakistan's improved performance and balanced squad could make this a close contest.

Prediction: New Zealand Women to win by 5-8 wickets.
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