ICC Women’s World Cup 2017, Australia vs New Zealand: 5 Talking Points

#3 Poor ground fielding cost New Zealand the game

Amelia Kerr gave the White Fern some hope but poor fielding let them down

New Zealand may not have been able to dominate the game at any stage but they did give themselves a chance of clinching a narrow victory. First, it was Katie Perkins who gave them some hope with a late onslaught and then just when it seemed that they would lose, Amelia Kerr brought them back with two quick wickets.

There was a time when it felt like they could win it. Alas, if only they had fielded better. 220 was always going to be too small a target, but in such low scoring matches, you need your fielders on their toes. They should be restricting those tight singles and put pressure on the batswomen.

New Zealand are known for being clinical in the outfield. Today, however, they slipped off their set standards, being uncharacteristically sloppy. Not once or twice but multiple times they faltered and hesitated, thus allowing the Aussies easy runs.