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The English middle-order has been struggling to be among

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Press Trust of India
the runs, but this has been the case with New Zealand as well. The Kiwi middle-order has largely depended on in-form captain Bates and that seems to be their Achilles heel. It was evident against West Indies when middle order collapsed to the Caribbean spin attack and the batters failed to chase down the target of 208. The White Ferns will expect Bates, who is the top run-scorer in the tournament with 307 under her belt so far, to dominate the English bowling attack in the crucial game. Bates notched up 102 against Australia, 73 against South Africa and 65 not out against Pakistan, and made 37 off 41 balls during their chase of a paltry 103 against Sri Lanka but could contribute only 30 against the West Indies. Batting being an area of concern for the two teams, New Zealand pacers Sian Ruck, Rachael Candy and Lea Tahuhu, who have been in good form, would be hoping for early wickets. But before that match, all eyes would be glued to the West Indies and Australia clash as the result would help to decide who the other finalist would be. The Caribbean side, who emerged as the dark horse in the tournament, defeated New Zealand by 48 runs in their second Super Six match yesterday to be the leading contender for the final spot with six points on board. The Merissa Aguilleira-led side will have a difficult task of snapping Australia's winning streak tomorrow if they have to book a place in the final. Stafanie Taylor is the player in prime form for the Caribbean side and she has been wielding the bat well to score 304 runs in the series so far. World record holder for the fastest 100 in T20s, Deandra Dottin will bolster the middle-order and try to put the opponents on the ropes. MORE

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First Published: Feb 12 2013 | 12:45 PM IST

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