Women’s World Cup: Five things we know so far from the ODI World Cup

There’s plenty happening in the Women’s ODI World Cup — the Aussies are looking good, while their arch rivals are in danger. Here’s the full wrap.

Anything can happen at a world cup and the Women’s ODI World Cup is no different. Australia is in top form, England are yet to win a game and a surprise nation has knocked over two top teams.

The tournament, hosted by New Zealand, started on March 4 and there have already been a number of massive upsets – including the performances of top ranked teams England and New Zealand.

With just the top four teams progressing to the semi-finals, after playing each of the eight teams once, every match is important.

Here are five things we have learnt from the Women’s ODI World Cup so far:

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Rachael Haynes hit a spectacular knock against England. Picture: Getty Images

Aussie batters on fire

The Australians, led by Meg Lanning, have shaken off their pre-tournament loss against New Zealand to remain unbeaten in their World Cup campaign.

Top order batters including Alyssa Healy, Rachael Haynes, Meg Lanning and Beth Mooney are in spectacular form – with the middle order batters yet to be really tested.

Top performances go to Haynes for her 130 against England, Lanning who scored 86 against England and Healy for her 72 runs against Pakistan.

Australia are the only team that have cracked the 300 run mark in a game so far.

The Aussies will next play close rivals New Zealand on Sunday at 9am (AEDT).

Alana King has been a key part of Australia’s campaign. Picture: AFP

Queens of spin

Lanning opted to bring in three spinners for the clash against Pakistan, following on from Alana King’s three wicket-haul against England. King proved crucial in the opener, taking the scalp of Tammy Beaumont and breaking the game wide open.

Fellow leg spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington was brought into the fold for the Pakistan clash – taking one wicket for 25 runs off her eight overs.

Left-arm orthodox spinner Jess Jonassen, who bowled the vital final over in the England clash, once again impressed against Pakistan. She went for 33 runs off 10 overs.

The trio could prove an interesting triple-threat.

England has been average, but Tammy Beaumont’s been superb. Picture: AFP

England chasing a win

They are ranked as the No. 3 women’s ODI team but England are yet to record a win.

Australia were first to get one over England – winning by just 12 runs. England then went to battle with underdogs West Indies, fresh off a win against host nation New Zealand, and were bowled out seven runs short.

England haven’t had a great run in the field dropping seven chances in the West Indies game.

Tammy Beaumont has proved the batter to watch for England knocking up 74 against Australia and 46 against the West Indies.

England will next play South Africa on Monday and a win is vital if they wish to defend their title.

West Indies have started the tournament hot. Picture: AFP

West Indies surprise form

West Indies are two from two after recording shock wins against New Zealand and England. Ranked seventh in the world the nation was not expected to be on equal footing with Australia after the first two rounds of the world cup. Batter Hayley Matthews is proving a handful for bowlers putting away 119 off 128 balls against New Zealand and 45 against England. Matthews has also picked three wickets so far this tournament.

West Indies will play India on Saturday at noon (AEDT).

Sophie Devine strikes one through the covers. Picture: AFP

New Zealand openers hit and miss

Big hitter Sophie Devine and opening partner Suzie Bates are under the pump after delivering mixed results for the host nation. Devine notched up 108 runs in the loss to West Indies, while Bates went for three. New Zealand did register a win over Bangladesh but Devine only got 14 away before being bowled. Bates performed better finishing on 79 not out.

Both openers again struggled to hit the mark in the clash with India. Devine was caught on 35 – she did hit an impressive seven fours from the 30 balls she faced. Bates once again struggled run out for 5.

Originally published as Women’s World Cup: Five things we know so far from the ODI World Cup