Defending champ Australia wins toss and opts to bat against New Zealand in Women’s Cricket World Cup

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INDORE, India (AP) — Australia captain Alyssa Healy called the coin toss correctly and opted to bat against New Zealand in the Women’s Cricket World Cup on Wednesday.

Defending champion Australia is the tournament favorite as it seeks a record-extending eighth title. New Zealand previously won in 2000 and is also the reigning T20 world champion under captain Sophie Devine.

Australia has chosen a pace heavy combination with Megan Schutt left out of the playing eleven.

The Holkar Stadium in Indore is hosting its first women’s ODI. The pitch should be ideal for batting with spinners coming into play. Evening dew could aid the chasing side.

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Lineups:

Australia: Alyssa Healy (captain/wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Alana King, Kim Garth, Darcie Brown

New Zealand: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (captain), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (wk), Jess Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Bree Illing

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AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket