The 17th match of the inaugural edition of the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup will be played between Australia and Sri Lanka on January 18 at Willowmoore Park in Benoni, South Africa. The game will begin at 1.30 PM IST (10 AM LOCAL).
It will be the third game of the tournament for both teams. Australia and Sri Lanka have won one and lost the other so far. They have won against the USA and lost to Bangladesh.
Squads
Australia: Charis Bekker, Paris Bowdler, Maggie Clark, Sianna Ginger, Lucy Hamilton, Ella Hayward, Milly Illingworth, Eleanor Larosa, Rhys McKenna, Claire Moore, Kate Pelle, Amy Smith, Ella Wilson, Paris Hall, Ananaya Sharma.
Sri Lanka: Vishmi Gunarathne (c), Dahami Sanethma, Umaya Rathnayake, Rashmi Nethranjali, Rashmika Sewwandi, Dewmi Vihanga Wijerathne, Manudi Nanayakkara, Sumudu Nisansala, Pamoda Shaini, Vidushika Perera, Dulanga Dissanayake, Rismi Sanjana, Nethmi Senarathna, Harini Perera, Vihara Sewwandi
Players to Watch
Kate Pelle:
The wicket-keeper and right-handed opening batter of Australia Women’s U19 led the run chase from the front in her last outing against the USA Women’s U19. She smashed an unbeaten 30 off 26, including two boundaries and as many sixes. She also had a good day behind the stumps.
Maggie Clark:
The right-arm speedster of Australia Women’s U19 won the player of the match award in her last match against the USA Women’s U19. She claimed 14/2 in four overs and bowled well in the middle overs. Besides her brilliant bowling performance, she was excellent on the field, accounting for one run out.
Vishmi Gunarathne:
The captain of Sri Lanka Women’s U19 had a great outing with the bat in her last appearance against Bangladesh Women’s U19. The right-handed top-order batter packed a punch with an unbeaten 60 off 54, hitting eight fours and a six. She shared a 96-run stand with Dewmi Vihanga for the third wicket.
Rashmi Nethranjali:
The right-arm quick of Sri Lanka Women’s U19 was the only wicket-taker for her side in the last fixture against Bangladesh Women’s U19. She opened the bowling with Pamoda Shaini and bagged 30/1 in four overs. She was effective with the new ball and bowled well in the middle phase of the innings.
Pitch
It will be the tournament’s fifth game at this venue. The teams batting first and second have won two each. The average first innings score is 157, and the average second innings score is 117. The wicket looks good for batting. A high-scoring contest could be on the cards.
Weather
The weather is expected to see times of clouds and sun. The maximum temperature attained during the day will be 28 degrees Celsius. There will be a 70 percent cloud cover and a one percent chance of rain. The wind will blow from the north.
Fantasy Playing XI
Kate Pelle, Vishmi Gunarathne, Claire Moore, Manudi Nanayakkara, Ella Hayward, Rashmi Nethranjali, Amy Smith, Rhys McKenna, Maggie Clark, Vidushika Perera, Ella Wilson
Match details
Date: January 18, 2023
Time: 1.30 PM IST (10 AM LOCAL)
Venue: Willowmoore Park, Benoni, South Africa
Live streaming: Fan Code
I am a former cricketer having represented Mumbai University at All India University level. I was a part of MCA probables for the U-19 and U-23 age group. I have been an avid cricket writer for the last five years. Currently I am pursuing my Ph.D from IIT Bombay.
