Who will blink first in World Cup stand-off?

Lynn McConnell

December 21, 2000

Saturday's final of the CricInfo Women's World Cup between defending champions Australia and home team New Zealand, second at the last two World Cups, is shaping as one of the great games in women's cricket history.

BIL Oval at Lincoln University has already proven a winner during the month-long tournament but the scene is set tomorrow for a mighty clash between the trans-Tasman rivals.

Australia have the edge on experience, especially at the top of their batting order and with their bowling attack.

But New Zealand have improved during the tournament and are keen to apply the lesson of the 1993 World Cup to tomorrow's match.

In 1993, New Zealand went into the final against England with their top order brimming with confidence, only to see England knock the top order over and then create havoc amongst a middle and lower order which had hardly batted during the tournament.

That has been the case for Australia in this tournament where Lisa Keightley, Karen Rolton and, belatedly, captain Belinda Clark have dominated their side's scoring and, while there is ample experience among the Australia middle and lower order, the Kiwis know that by exposing those players they can increase the pressure on them.

"They haven't had the batting opportunities in the tournament because they've chased runs a lot and have got them reasonably easily," New Zealand coach Mike Shimpton said.

"Their middle-order has not had many opportunities. They do seem happy enough to chase targets and pace themselves," he said.

Australian captain Belinda Clark believes it's the team that puts together the complete effort, both in batting and bowling that will hold the trophies aloft on Saturday night.

"They're [New Zealand] playing good cricket, it's going to be a good match," she said.

"We're going well and we're happy with where we're at."

Her side had advanced since last winning the World Cup in Calcutta in 1997. There have been chances for the players to develop further between the World Cup tournaments and while there were a few changes from the team of 1997 she was more than happy with the resources she could call on.

The Australians will be looking at getting a good start with the bat and approaching the match no differently to those already played in the tournament.

The side's bowling has been one of its key points and she said while they take a few chances when bowling, they were just as happy containing sides and forcing the frustrations on them.

She is expecting a lot of runs on the flat and hard pitch and with the outfield so fast there should be plenty.

New Zealand were buoyed by their semi-final win over India when they didn't let the Indians into the game. But most encouraging from Shrimpton's point of view was the tightening of the bowling at just the right time.

"We reduced our extras by half, induced at least two run outs and our fielding was good.

"It is all about seizing the moment and taking your opportunities.

"It could be a run out or an exceptional catch that lifts the team so fielding is a key," he said.

Shrimpton has made no secret of that fact since taking control of the side, and he worked hard with the players during the winter to improve their agility and throwing. The side had overcome a little complacency that crept into their last pool game against England, when they knew they were in the semi-finals but had come back well after a brief break.

Going into the match, New Zealand's plan was basic.

"We're not worried about any victory. We are just concerned that we get the processes right.

"If everyone does their job, we will do the job right as a team and the result will look after itself," he said.

The teams will be selected from:

Australia - Belinda Clark (captain), Lisa Keightley, Karen Rolton, Cherie Bambury, Joanne Broadbent, Louisa Broadfoot, Avril Fahey, Cathryn Fitzpatrick, Zoe Goss, Julie Hayes, Therese McGregor, Olivia Magno, Charmaine Mason, Julia Price.

New Zealand - Emily Drumm (captain), Catherine Campbell, Paula Flannery, Debbie Hockley, Katrina Keenan, Erin McDonald, Clare Nicholson, Anna O'Leary, Rachel Pullar, Kathryn Ramel, Rebecca Rolls, Haidee Tiffen, Emily Travers, Helen Watson.

© Cricinfo

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