The same trio provided the spine to Australia's performances in February's Rose Bowl when, at 1-1 heading to the decider at Mt Maunganui, New Zealand threatened to wrest the trophy away for the first time since 1999.
If the White Ferns target the Australian top three they will go some distance towards neutralising the batting threat. Their opponents haven't batted beyond veteran all-rounder Ellyse Perry at No.4 in the opening matches.
In contrast, weather thwarted New Zealand's second match against South Africa in Derby.
Overnight rain and persistent morning showers resulted in an abandonment. The sides shared the points, moving to three each after two games.
With no toss, the match did not count, meaning White Ferns captain Suzie Bates remains on 99 ODIs.
Bates' form shapes as key for the New Zealanders, given her record in 13 innings against Australia.
The 29-year-old has scored 714 runs at an average of 64.90 and strike rate of 79. Compare that to a career average of 42.32 and strike rate of 80. Three of her eight ODI centuries have come against the world champions.
The White Ferns' World Cup record against Australia has brought few spoils. They have won three out of 14 completed contests since meeting at the inaugural tournament in 1973. Two of those victories have come in the last four matches extending to their only World Cup victory in 2000.
An XI featuring four of the current squad - Bates, Sophie Devine, Rachel Priest and Amy Satterthwaite - and coach Haidee Tiffen also defeated Australia by 13 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis method during pool play at Sydney in 2009.
New Zealand's World Cup schedule from here:
July 2 v Australia, Bristol
July 6 v West Indies, Taunton
July 8 v Pakistan, Taunton
July 12 v England, Derby
July 15 v India, Derby
July 18 semi-final 1, Bristol*
July 20 semi-final 2, Derby*
July 23 final, Lord's *
*If they advance.
