Hosts United Arab Emirates will go head-to-head against the Netherlands in the opener of the 2024 Women’s Twenty20 International (T20I) Quadrangular series. Scheduled for 4:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 16th of April, the game will be played at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
Squads:
United Arab Emirates – Esha Oza (C), Al Maseera Jahangir, Avanee Sunil Patel, Heena Harish Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Kavisha Kumari Egodage, Khushi Mohan Sharma, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Swarup Gokhale, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish, Vaishnave Mahesh
Netherlands – Heather Siegers (C), Babette de Leede, Carlijn van Koolwijk, Caroline de Lange, Eva Lynch, Frédérique Overdijk, Hannah Landheer, Iris Zwilling, Jolien van Vliet, Merel Dekeling, Phebe Molkenboer, Robine Rijke, Sanya Khurana, Silver Siegers, Sterre Kalis
Players to watch out:
Esha Oza
The 26-year-old all-rounder in T20Is, from 72 outings, has amassed 1885 runs, including the highest of 158*, while also scalping 50 wickets from 57 innings. Esha, in a T20 tournament earlier this year, notched up a fifty and a century, while also being amongst the wickets. She’ll be relied upon for the goods.
Heena Hotchandani
The 23-year-old left-arm off-spinner, averaging 7.20 and maintaining an economy rate of 3.54, has claimed 15 wickets from 11 T20Is. Heena returned to the setup earlier this year and was outstanding, producing figures of 3/9, 4/8, and 2/16 in her last 3 games. It’ll be hoped that she picks up from where she left off.
Frédérique Overdijk
The 23-year-old all-rounder, from 20 outings, has scored 111 runs and picked up 18 wickets from as many innings, with respective bests being 25 and 7/3. Frédérique’s last T20I outing dates back to August 2023, where, following successive ducks, she managed starts. She can be counted on for all-round performances.
Iris Zwilling
The 22-year-old all-rounder has added 448 runs to the tally from 36 innings and struck 48 wickets from 46 outings, registering respective bests of 56 and 3/11. Iris last took the field for a T20I in September 2023; she had a successful campaign contributing with both bat and ball. She’ll be backed to replicate the success.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at the venue provides a well-balanced center wicket, promising a gripping contest between bat and ball. The same is evident from the average score in the 120s, and bowlers, particularly spinners, benefit from the assistance offered by the pitch.
Weather:
With rain on the radar throughout the day, there is a high possibility of the game being abandoned. The temperature is forecasted to hover around 27°C, with moderate winds, and humidity at 69%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Babette de Leede, Heather Siegers, Esha Oza, Frédérique Overdijk, Robine Rijke, Kavisha Kumari Egodage, Iris Zwilling, Samaira Dharnidharka, Heena Harish Hotchandani, Vaishnave Mahesh, Caroline de Lange
Match details:
Date – April 16, 2024
Time – 4:30 PM IST
Venue – Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Broadcast – Access live scores for the game on the FanCode app and website.