Runners-up of the 2023 Women’s Twenty20 (T20) World Cup, South Africa, will kick off their 2024 campaign against the West Indies on October 4, 2024. Both teams will be playing their first game of the tournament, with the match commencing at 3:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.
In the lead-up to this tournament, South Africa suffered a heavy 8-wicket defeat to New Zealand, being bowled out for 92, and couldn’t bounce back in their second warm-up, falling to India by 28 runs while chasing 144. Meanwhile, the West Indies also suffered losses in their warm-up matches, going down by 20 runs against India while chasing 144, and by 35 runs against Australia while chasing 144. However, they fought hard in both games, leaving them with positives to build on.
Squads:
South Africa –
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Suné Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon
West Indies –
Hayley Matthews (C), Shemaine Campbelle, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Ashmini Munisar, Afy Fletcher, Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Chedean Nation, Qiana Joseph, Zaida James, Karishma Ramharack, Mandy Mangru, Nerissa Crafton
Players to watch out:
Laura Wolvaardt –
The 25-year-old opening batter, from 66 T20I innings, has amassed 1765 runs at an average of 35.30, with a strike rate of 115.43, registering 11 fifties and a century, with the highest score of 102. Laura registered scores of 11, 36, and 45 in the 3 T20Is against Pakistan in their most recent campaign, and in the warm-up games, she registered scores of 33 and 29. She is a reliable batter and can be banked on to lead the scoring.
Chloe Tryon –
The 30-year-old all-rounder, in T20Is, from 82 batting outings, has accumulated 1190 runs at a strike rate of 136.78, and claimed 36 wickets from 68 innings at an economy rate of 6.75, registering bests of 57* and 4/15. In their away series against Pakistan, while Chloe claimed only a wicket, she was economical and chipped in with scores of 30* and 15*. It is hoped she builds on this momentum with improved all-round efforts.
Hayley Matthews –
The 26-year-old all-rounder, from 96 T20Is, has racked up 2339 runs at a strike rate of 112.88, and from 89 bowling innings, has scalped 99 wickets at an economy rate of 5.87, with bests of 132 and 4/10. In the 1st warm-up game against India, Hayley returned figures of 4/17 but departed for a duck and followed up with 42 and 1/20 against Australia. She can be counted on to lead from the front, delivering the goods.
Afy Fletcher –
The 37-year-old leg-spinner, maintaining an economy rate of 5.98, has picked up 73 wickets, including the best of 5/13, from 79 T20I bowling innings, and can also be handy with the bat on a few occasions. In the warm-up games, Afy produced economical and effective bowling figures of 0/23 and 2/36, while also chipping in with a valuable 21 against India. She has been in excellent form of late and can be relied upon for breakthroughs.
Pitch:
Despite a modest average score, the center strip at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium makes up a well-balanced center wicket that offers a fair contest between bat and ball. However, bowlers, both pacers and spinners, have the upper hand on this wicket.
Weather:
Dubai promises ideal conditions for the game with clear skies overhead and the chances of rain are minimal. The temperature is expected to hover around 36°C, with moderate winds and a humidity level of 58%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Shemaine Campbelle, Laura Wolvaardt, Qiana Joseph, Hayley Matthews, Marizanne Kapp, Deandra Dottin, Chloé Tryon, Suné Luus, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Afy Fletcher
Match details:
Date – October 4, 2024
Time – 3:30 PM IST
Venue – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
Broadcast – In India, the game will be telecasted by the Star Sports Network and will be available for live streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
Click here for the full list of broadcasters for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup.