Women’s ODI World Cup | England keen to bounce back; Kiwis eye perfect farewell for Devine

England and New Zealand walk into the penultimate league match of the Women’s ODI World Cup — which has no bearing on semifinal qualification — with contrasting motivations.

While the White Ferns’ objective will be to provide a memorable farewell to skipper Sophie Devine, who is retiring from the format after Sunday’s clash at the ACA-VDCA Stadium, England’s focus will be on bouncing back from its loss to Australia.

Nat Sciver-Brunt & Co. cannot afford two consecutive losses ahead of the climactic phase, so changes to the playing XI are unlikely.

“It’s about trying to stick to what we’ve been doing and getting back to winning ways… we still haven’t had that really complete game, maybe outside the South Africa match, and it is about adding those finer touches now… it is also about looking at the bigger picture and that is something that we’d be highlighting,” England opener Tammy Beaumont said during the pre-match press conference on Saturday.

The Kiwis’ challenge lies in keeping the emotions surrounding Devine’s retirement and their tournament exit in check.

“I’m sure there’ll be lots of different emotions flying around about Sophie’s last game in ODIs for New Zealand. I know I’ve thought about what I might say to the team before that. But I am certain tomorrow [Sunday], not just for Sophie, but for our own sake in the team, everyone’s really keen to put our best foot forward,” NZ coach Ben Sawyer said.

Veteran Suzie Bates is due for some runs (30 in four innings), and a big score in Devine’s swansong would be a perfect gift for her partner in crime.

Rain threat?

Though it was hot and humid on the eve of the contest, both teams will be keeping their fingers crossed that Cyclone Montha, expected to make landfall a day after the match, won’t disrupt proceedings at this coastal city.