With Sophie coming in, veteran pacer Megan Schutt has been left out, as Australia have opted to go with out-and-out pace of Darcie Brown alongside Megan Schutt. Australia are seven-time world champions and reigning holders of the trophy. They are aiming to begin their title defence in what is also the venue\u2019s first international women\u2019s game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cJust put some runs on the board and see what happens. There's a possibility it could get better later but it didn't happen last night. We played some really tough games of cricket in tough conditions. We're ready to go. The group is in a great place. We're looking at getting better at every single opportunity we get. Want to improve, want to take women's cricket forward,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On the other hand, New Zealand are playing an ODI after six months and captain Sophie Devine said she would have elected to bat first too. \u201cBut fresh wicket, start of the tournament, not very concerned. I think we've got a great balance within the side. Experience through the batting order in Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer, really balanced group.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cJust grateful for the opportunity to come out here again and represent my country. Fills me with pride. Obviously results are important, but what matters most to me is the people around me,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Playing XIs-<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cJust grateful for the opportunity to come out here again and represent my country. Fills me with pride. Obviously results are important, but what matters most to me is the people around me,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
New Zealand: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (captain), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (wk), Jess Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, and Bree Illing<\/p>\r\n\r\n