New Zealand’s confidence is steadily rising ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, with Maddy Green highlighting the team’s momentum after their ODI series victory over South Africa.
Fresh off a match-winning unbeaten 141 in Wellington, Green described the knock as one of the finest of her international career while reflecting on the team’s progress.
Green, Halliday rescue innings from early collapse
New Zealand found themselves in deep trouble early, losing key batters including Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer and Amelia Kerr inside the opening overs.
“Always ready, always ready. Probably a little bit earlier than I would have liked to be,” Green said of arriving at the crease so early.
From 3 for 3, Green and Brooke Halliday stitched together a crucial 211-run partnership that completely transformed the match.
“The ball was moving around a little bit early, and they made it really tricky for us,” Green noted. “It was probably not where you want to be. It was nice to have Brooke at the other end. She’s such a calm head.”
The duo focused on absorbing pressure before accelerating later in the innings, a plan that paid off handsomely.
Late surge powers New Zealand past 300
After stabilising the innings, New Zealand shifted gears aggressively in the final phase.
“We just knew if we stuck in there… and if we could get to that 30-over mark with not too many wickets down, we’d back the power in our lower order,” Green explained.
The hosts capitalised brilliantly, scoring heavily in the final 20 overs to post a match-winning total.
“I think to get to 300 from the position we were in early was a really good effort,” she added.
Green also praised Halliday’s contribution, expressing disappointment that her partner missed out on a century.
“I was really gutted for her. I thought she deserved a hundred. She grafted away, and she was really patient.”
Crucial points and confidence boost
The series win over South Africa women’s national cricket team carries added significance due to its impact on ICC Women’s Championship standings.
“These ICC championship games are so important… to take the series 2-1 and get those points on the board is super important,” Green said.
She also acknowledged the quality of the opposition, noting South Africa’s consistent presence in major ICC finals.
“So to beat them in two series here back end of our summer is really pleasing.”
Backing Kerr’s leadership
Green reserved special praise for captain Amelia Kerr, who recently stepped into the full-time leadership role.
“Melie’s got a great cricket brain… she’s slotted into this role pretty seamlessly,” Green said.
Kerr’s performances, including a standout 179* earlier in the series, have underlined her growing influence both as a player and leader.
Eyes on World Cup with renewed belief
With back-to-back series wins and improved performances across formats, New Zealand now turn their focus to the upcoming global tournament.
“Hopefully that gives us heaps of confidence going into T20 World Cup later on in the year,” Green said.
The team believes its recent form, combined with growing support for women’s cricket, puts them in a strong position heading into a defining phase of the season.
