Following Australia’s emphatic 118-run win over hosts Bangladesh in the 3-match One-Day International (ODI) series opener, the hosts face a must-win task in the 2nd ODI at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur. The live-action commences at 9:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST), on the 24th of March, 2024.
Squads:
Bangladesh – Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Nahida Akter (VC), Fargana Hoque Pinky, Murshida Khatun, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Disha Biswas, Sumaiya Akter, Nishita Akter Nishi, Farzana Hoque Lisa
Australia – Alyssa Healy (C, WK), Tahlia McGrath (VC), Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Tayla Vlaeminck, Grace Harris
Players to watch out:
Nigar Sultana Joty
The 26-year-old keeper-batter, averaging 24.44, has accumulated 880 runs, including the highest of 73, from 40 ODIs. Nigar added another one to her string of starts departing for 27 in the opener. It’ll be expected of the seasoned batter to capitalize on the start, registering a match-winning score in this game.
Fahima Khatun
The 31-year-old leg-spinner, from 32 ODIs, has scalped 22 wickets, with the best being 3/38, and chipped in by scoring 216, including the highest of 46*. Fahima didn’t have a good start to the series, recording figures of 1/67 and departing for 1, but she can be counted on to step up, delivering the goods.
Ellyse Perry
The 33-year-old all-rounder in ODIs, from 118 innings, has amassed 3896 runs and struck 163 wickets from 131 outings, with bests being 112* and 7/22. Ellyse has been in outstanding form of late, and though she didn’t contribute much in the series opener, she can be banked upon for all-round performances.
Alana King
The 28-year-old leg-spinner, from 26 outings, has bagged 38 wickets, including the best of 4/26, while also scoring 137 runs from 9 innings. Alana registered her career-best of 46* in the ODI opener in a crunch moment and also returned figures of 1/12 (10). It’ll be hoped she continues with this rewarding form.
Pitch:
The Mirpur wicket is sluggish, making it challenging for batters to score runs freely, and a modest average score at the venue suggests the same. Bowlers, especially spinners, play a significant role in dictating the game’s outcome.
Weather:
The conditions promise a complete game of cricket at Shere Bangla National Stadium with a minimal chance of rain. The temperature is expected to hover around 31°C, with light winds and humidity of 64%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Nigar Sultana Joty, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Fargana Hoque Pinky, Ashleigh Gardner, Fahima Khatun, Annabel Sutherland, Tahlia McGrath, Alana King, Nahida Akter, Georgia Wareham
Match details:
Date – March 24, 2024
Time – 9:00 AM IST
Venue – Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on FanCode and the Bangladesh Cricket YouTube channel.
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