[3/3, 5:15 PM] Puja: New Zealand will face off against the West Indies in the opening match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on March 4. The hosts are in splendid form coming into this tournament having beaten India 4-1 in the recently-concluded bilateral ODI series at home. [3/3, 5:16 PM] Puja: With the home advantage to bank on, the Kiwis seem to be peaking at the right time in all three departments of the game as they eye their second ODI world title. They suffered a four-wicket loss against Pakistan in the first warm-up fixture before going on to beat Australia by nine wickets. [3/3, 5:16 PM] Puja: The West Indies, on the other hand, would be hoping to make a statement by finding the much-needed momentum that they have been lacking so far. It remains to be noted that their record in One Day Internationals has been disappointing, to say the least. Ever since the last edition of the Women’s World Cup in 2017, the Caribbean team has only managed to win 15 games out of 39 and have a win percentage of 40.5 in the 50-overs format. They lost both their warm-up matches by huge margins (90 runs ) to Australia and (81 runs ) to India respectively. New Zealand vs West Indies ICC Women’s World Cup 2022, Match 1 Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui Date & Time: March 4th at 1:00 AM GMT, 2:00 PM LOCAL and 6:30 AM IST Live Streaming: Star Sports Network for Television and Disney + Hotstar app for live streaming Pitch Report: The wicket is expected to suit the batters more than the bowlers and with no dew factor in place, things will only get tougher for the chasing team in the second innings should the target be a stiff one. The average first innings total at the Bay Oval is 256. In the 14 ODIs that have been played at the venue, teams batting first and chasing have each won seven matches. Nonetheless, the captain winning the toss in the curtain-raiser will be looking forward to bowling first and get the feel of the fresh pitch on offer. [3/3, 5:20 PM] Puja: Deandra Dottin is the top run-scorer for West Indies Women with 507 runs from her last 10 matches at an average of 56 and a strike rate of 83. Hayley Matthews has also made 281 runs from her last 10 matches. Hayley Matthews has been the best bowler for West Indies Women and has picked up 15 wickets from her last 10 matches while bowling at an economy rate of 3.53 and a strike rate of 34. Shamilia Connell has also picked up 12 wickets from her last 7 matches. Amelia Kerr is the top run-scorer for New Zealand Women with 353 runs from her last 5 matches at an average of 117 and a strike rate of 97. Amy Satterthwaite has also made 339 runs from her last 10 matches. Hannah Rowe has been the best bowler for New Zealand Women and has picked up 14 wickets from her last 5 matches while bowling at an economy rate of 5.30 and a strike rate of 25. Sophie Devine has also picked up 11 wickets from her last 10 matches. [3/3, 5:21 PM] Puja: Today’s NZ-W vs WI-W Dream11 match top picks Wicketkeeper Kycia Knight: Kycia Knight has been in decent form for West Indies in recent months, scoring handy runs in the top order. With Rashada Williams' fitness up in the air, Knight could find herself batting alongside Dottin at the top of the order. With her counterpart Katey Martin likely to bat at No.6, Kycia is a better option as a wicketkeeper. Batter Suzie Bates: Although Suzie Bates blew hot and cold in the recently concluded ODI series against India, she did manage to score over 150 runs in five matches. Her experience and ability to score big runs at the top of the order makes her a valuable asset and a must-have in your NZ-W vs WI-W Dream11 fantasy team. All-rounder Sophie Devine: White Ferns captain Sophie Devine is back in her preferred batting position, opening with Suzie Bates. She comes into the game on the back of a sensational performance against Australia in the warm-up fixtures. Given her ability to win games with both the bat and ball, you would not want to keep out Devine or even Amelia Kerr out of your NZ-W vs WI-W Dream11 fantasy team. Bowler Jess Kerr: Jess Kerr has been a revelation for New Zealand with her potent new-ball prowess. The perfect foil to Lea Tahuhu's pace, Jess Kerr should get the ball to swing around in the powerplay phase, making her a valuable option. Adding her batting prowess down the order makes Kerr one to watch out for in this game and the tournament.