Selection poser – which bowlers to leave out

New Zealand’s team management have a desirable conundrum ahead of today’s final pool match, against Australia, at the women’s cricket World Cup in India.

Just which bowlers do they leave out of the group B decider in Cuttack?

Sian Ruck and Morna Nielsen, the two most successful bowlers in the opening 151-run win over South Africa with figures of 4-31 and 3-34, respectively, were rested for Sunday’s second match against Pakistan, but their replacements grabbed their opportunity with both hands in the seven-wicket win.

Opening bowler Rachel Candy scythed through Pakistan’s batting lineup taking 5-19 on a low and slow Barabati Stadium pitch, while Kate Broadmore was extremely economical with her medium pacers, with 1-15 from 10 overs, as Pakistan were rolled for 104.

‘‘We’ve got some competition with our bowling,’’ said White Ferns captain Suzie Bates, who struck an unbeaten 65 in the successful chase. ‘‘The way Rachel Candy bowled today [Sunday] it’s going to be tough to pick our bowling side. We’ve got the bowlers who can do the job.’’

Ruck and Nielsen, in particular, were in tidy form during the warmup campaign and will have their noses in front, though Candy’s first five-for has given Bates and co Who: New Zealand v Australia What: Women’s World Cup cricket pool match Where: Barabati Stadium, Cuttack When: 4.30pm NZ time today New Zealand: Suzie Bates (captain), Kate Broadmore, Nicola Browne, Rachel Candy, Natalie Dodd, Lucy Doolan, Sophie Devine, Sara McGlashan, Frances Mackay, Morna Nielsen, Katie Perkins, Rachel Priest, Sian Ruck, Amy Satterthwaite, Lea Tahuhu. Australia: Jodie Fields (captain), Alex Blackwell, Jess Cameron, Rene Chappell, Sarah Coyte, Holly Ferling, Rachael Haynes, Alyssa Healy, Julie Hunter, Meg Lanning, Erin Osborne, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Lisa Sthalekar, Elyse Villani. plenty of food for thought ahead of today’s potentially pivotal match.

Although both Australia, who have also had wins against Pakistan and South Africa, and New Zealand are assured of a place in the super six stage, pool points are carried through.

The super six stage will see the top three teams from group A play against each of the top three teams from group B, with the top two teams after that series going into the final. Whoever wins today’s match between the trans-Tasman foes will have the inside running.