In match no. 6 of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, England will begin their campaign against Bangladesh, who secured a win over Scotland in the curtain raiser. The game is scheduled for the 5th of October 2024, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, with live action commencing at 7:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
In their opening match, Bangladesh’s innings was anchored by Sobhana Mostary’s 36 and Shanti Rani’s 29, setting a competitive total of 119/7. A disciplined bowling performance, led by Ritu Moni’s 2/15 (4) restricted Scotland to 103/8, despite Sarah Bryce’s valiant unbeaten 49, sealing a 16-run win. Meanwhile, England, with a win and a loss in the warmup games, and an impressive 12 wins from 13 T20Is this year, enter the tournament brimming with confidence.
Squads:
Bangladesh –
Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Jahanara Alam, Dilara Akter, Taj Nehar, Shathi Rani, Disha Biswas
England –
Heather Knight (C), Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Sophia Dunkley, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alice Capsey, Amy Jones (WK), Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Linsey Smith, Freya Kemp, Dani Gibson, Bess Heath
Players to watch out:
Murshida Khatun –
The 25-year-old opening batter, from 49 T20Is, has accumulated 922 runs at an average of 21.44, with the highest score of 80. While Murshida has struggled to be consistent with the bat, she continues to step up with important knocks, scoring 46 against India and consecutive fifties (50 and 80) in the Asia Cup. In the season opener, she departed cheaply for 12 but should be backed to follow up with a substantial score.
Fahima Khatun –
The 31-year-old all-rounder, in T20Is, from 79 outings has claimed 50 wickets at an economy rate of 5.75, while from 59 innings has added 395 runs, registering bests of 4/8 and 32*. Dropped after the home India series, Fahima returned to the side for the World Cup, and in her only warm-up game, she claimed two wickets. In the season opener, she chipped in with 10* (5) and figures of 1/21 (4), and hopefully, she capitalizes on this start.
Amy Jones –
The 31-year-old keeper-batter, from 88 T20I innings, has amassed 1515 runs at an average of 21.04, a strike rate of 122.27, and registered the highest score of 89. Amy has had notable success in international and domestic cricket over the past year, being much more attacking and mature with the bat. She can be banked upon for important cameos batting in the middle order.
Charlie Dean –
The 23-year-old bowling all-rounder, from 28 T20I bowling outings, has picked up 36 wickets at an economy rate of 6.85, and from 10 batting innings has posted 126 runs at a strike rate of 112.50. Dean warmed up for the season opener by producing figures of 1/16 (4) and 1/16 (3) against Australia and New Zealand. Her growth in the game has been rapid, and she can be counted on to deliver the goods.
Pitch:
Sharjah dishes out a balanced pitch with a slight advantage for bowlers over batters, as evidenced by a modest average score in the 120s. The wicket will aid spinners, while pacers with variations can exploit it to their benefit.
Weather:
With the temperature forecasted to be around 33°C, moderate winds, clear skies, and humidity at 51%, it will be a good day for cricket at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Fantasy playing XI:
Nigar Sultana Joty, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Maia Bouchier, Sophia Dunkley, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alice Capsey, Freya Kemp, Dani Gibson, Fahima Khatun, Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean
Match details:
Date – October 5, 2024
Time – 7:30 PM IST
Venue – Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
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.