Former New Zealand cricketer Brendon McCullum said the women’s team was “in the mix” at the ICC World Cup, while the White Ferns have lost three of the five matches they have played so far and finished fifth in the eight-team mega-match. Competition.
The White Ferns’ latest defeat came at the hands of South Africa, who registered a two-wicket win with three balls to spare on Thursday. The Proteas chased down New Zealand’s 228 in 49.3 overs, with the Marijane Cup and Ayabonga Khaka putting them on the line.
The White Ferns have four points from five matches and have two more league games to play before the top four teams advance to the final four knockout stages of the tournament.
However, McCullum, a veteran of over 100 Tests and 260 ODIs, is optimistic Sophie Devine’s team will make the semi-final grade at home.
“They haven’t worked out yet. Sure, I think they’re not far off. They’re still in the mix,” McCullum said on SENZ Breakfast on Friday.
“I think they have to win all their games, but you expect it, and if they do I think they’ll be dangerous.”
The White Ferns will take on defending champions England at Eden Park on Sunday and McCullum believes the hosts have the edge. It is a win-win game for both the sides as England have won only one match in the round-robin game.
“Sophie Devine has had a great tournament so far, and she’s a tough character,” McCullum said. Against South Africa, Devine scored 93 runs in 101 balls.
“They (White Ferns) have played some good cricket, things are not always the way I think they would like to be. They have lost some close matches, but I don’t think everything is lost.”
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