Women's T20 WC Live: New Zealand fight for survival as Scotland eye upset

Conditions are expected to present an additional challenge, with an excessive heat warning issued and temperatures forecast to reach 36 degrees Celsius.

Rain is not expected, meaning teams are likely to play in hot and demanding conditions.

The average first-innings score across the last 11 matches at the venue is 152, suggesting another competitive total could be on the cards.

The pitch used during the West Indies-Sri Lanka encounter had plenty of grass, and the Caribbean side made full use of the conditions by bowling Sri Lanka out for just 98 after opting to field first. Teams may once again pay close attention to the toss and surface conditions.

Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce remains optimistic despite recent setbacks.

Reflecting on her side's performances, she said, "I think we've had a couple of really cool games the other day against the West Indies and played a lot of really good cricket again today (June 20) against a really good side (England). So I think if we go out there with the same sort of intent and just do a few things a little bit better, then we'll be hopefully in a position to get one on the board."

Hannah Rainey had earlier admitted that sloppy fielding against England had cost Scotland "at least 20 runs", something the side will be keen to rectify against the holders.

One of the biggest reasons behind New Zealand's struggles has been their inability to take wickets consistently. Their bowlers have claimed only nine wickets in the tournament so far, the fewest among all 12 teams.

By comparison, England's attack has picked up 25 wickets.

The lack of breakthroughs has prevented New Zealand from controlling matches, even when posting competitive totals. Their batting has not fully clicked either, with no player managing a score higher than 45 and the team yet to surpass 162 runs.

Moving away from Southampton, where they played their first three matches, could offer a welcome change of surroundings.

Although Scotland are ranked 11th in the world and are playing in only their maiden Women's T20 World Cup, they have shown enough to trouble higher-ranked opposition.

After defeating Ireland, they pushed West Indies hard before losing by just seven runs and later produced several encouraging moments against England despite ending on the losing side.

Scotland remain in contention for qualification and will relish the opportunity to derail New Zealand's hopes.

Their top-order batters have impressed during the competition, and if they can sharpen their fielding after some costly lapses against England, the Scots could once again prove to be dangerous opponents.

Defending champions New Zealand enter their Group B clash against Scotland with little room for error as they fight to keep their Women's T20 World Cup title defence alive.

The White Ferns have endured a turbulent campaign, suffering defeats to West Indies and Sri Lanka after failing to defend totals of 162 and 150 respectively.

Even their narrow four-run victory over Ireland exposed vulnerabilities that have plagued the side throughout the tournament.

A convincing win against Scotland is essential not only to improve their points tally but also to boost their net run rate. With other results also needing to fall in their favour, New Zealand know their margin for mistakes has all but disappeared.