Riding high on confidence after their winning start to the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, England are set to face South Africa at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, on the 7th of October 2024, at 7:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
In their season opener, England were restricted to a modest 118/7 by Bangladesh, but a disciplined bowling effort secured a 21-run victory, easing any early jitters. South Africa, on the other hand, limited the West Indies to 118/6 before confidently chasing down the target without losing a wicket, opening their campaign on a high note.
Squads:
England Women’s Cricket Team
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
South Africa Women’s Cricket Team
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
Players to watch out:
Nat Sciver-Brunt
The 32-year-old all-rounder, in T20Is, has amassed 2,515 runs from 119 outings, at an average of 26.75 and a strike rate of 117.35, while also scalping 87 wickets from 109 outings, at an economy rate of 6.51. On the back of a successful stint in The Hundred, Nat scored 12 and 31 in the warm-up games, and though she departed for 2 in the season opener, she produced bowling figures of 1/20. She can be relied upon for improved batting efforts.
Sarah Glenn
The 25-year-old leg-spinner, with an average of 15.24 and an economy rate of 5.83, has scalped 82 wickets from 62 T20I outings and registered best bowling figures of 4/12, while also contributing 133 runs from 18 innings, striking at 119.81. This year, from 11 outings, she has scalped 18 wickets, with her previous 3 returns, including the season opener, reading 1/34, 1/16, and 1/22. She can be banked upon to deliver the goods.
Suné Luus
The 28-year-old all-rounder, in T20Is, has accumulated 1,347 runs from 88 outings, at a strike rate of 106.98, and has picked up 51 wickets from 70 bowling innings, at an economy rate of 6.47. Suné, in a recent series against Pakistan, registered scores of 27, 53*, and 14*, but in the warm-up games, she departed cheaply, while with the ball, she has consistently been economical. She can be counted on to step up with all-round efforts.
Nonkululeko Mlaba
The 24-year-old left-arm off-spinner has bagged 42 wickets from 51 T20I innings, including best bowling figures of 4/29, while maintaining an economy rate of 6.32. Nonkululeko produced bowling figures of 1/31 (4) in a recent T20I against Pakistan, and in the subsequent World Cup warm-up games, she recorded figures of 0/18 (2) and 1/37 (4). However, in the season opener, she stepped up with a brilliant 4/27 (4) and hopefully continues in this form.
Pitch:
The 22 yards at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium form a well-balanced center wicket, providing a fair contest between bat and ball. The wicket effectively assists both spinners and pacers, while batters also enjoy their time in the middle, with an average score in the 120s.
Weather:
Sharjah promises favorable conditions for a complete game, with no expected rain interruptions and clear skies. The temperature will be around 33°C, with light winds and a humidity level of 44%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Amy Jones, Dani Wyatt-Hodge, Laura Wolvaardt, Maia Bouchier, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Alice Capsey, Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Nonkululeko Mlaba
Match details:
Date – October 7, 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.
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