The third match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be a thrilling contest as South Africa, the runners-up from the last edition, go head-to-head with the 2016 champions, West Indies. This highly anticipated encounter not only reignites the fierce rivalry between the two teams but also sets the stage for some remarkable individual milestones that could define the game.
First, all eyes will be on South Africa’s captain, Laura Wolvaardt. Known for her elegant stroke play, Wolvaardt has accumulated an impressive 4,148 ODI runs and 1,765 T20I runs, bringing her white-ball career tally to 5,913 runs. She stands just 87 runs away from reaching the prestigious 6,000-run milestone. Adding to the excitement, Wolvaardt will be making her captaincy debut in the World Cup, leading her side against a formidable West Indies team.
On the other side, West Indies captain Hayley Matthews is on the cusp of a historic achievement. Having played 96 T20Is, Matthews has already claimed 99 wickets and is just one wicket away from joining Anisa Mohammed as the second West Indian to reach 100 T20I wickets. But that’s not all—this milestone will also be her 200th international wicket across all formats, having previously taken 100 wickets in ODIs. Matthews’ all-around brilliance will be pivotal as West Indies look to assert their dominance.
Also in the spotlight is Stafanie Taylor, the veteran who led the West Indies to their maiden T20 World Cup victory. With 98 wickets from 121 T20Is, Taylor is just two wickets shy of her own 100-wicket milestone. The race to this achievement between her and Matthews will add another layer of intrigue to an already captivating match.
Meanwhile, the “World Boss” Deandra Dottin is on the verge of a significant personal landmark. Having scored 6,424 international runs, she is just 76 runs away from crossing 6,500 runs. Famous for her explosive batting, Dottin still holds the record for the fastest century in women’s cricket, reaching three figures off just 38 balls during a stunning 112* off 45 balls. Her power-hitting prowess could be the game-changer for the West Indies.
Adding to the West Indies’ potential firepower is Karishma Ramharack, who is just three wickets away from reaching 50 international wickets. With 25 T20I and 22 ODI wickets to her name, she will be eager to make her mark in this crucial fixture.
Historically, West Indies have the upper hand, having won 14 of the 22 matches against South Africa. However, recent form favors South Africa, who have won three of the last five encounters, with West Indies managing just one victory.
With so much at stake, the match, set to begin at 3:30 PM IST on 4th October at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, promises to be an unmissable spectacle.