In a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s final, Australia and South Africa are slated to lock horns in Semi-Final 1 of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The game is scheduled for 7:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 17th of October 2024.
Defending champions Australia remain unbeaten in the tournament, advancing to the semi-final on the strength of four consecutive wins in Group A. They secured victories against Sri Lanka by 6 wickets, New Zealand by 60 runs, Pakistan by 9 wickets, and India by 9 runs, with contributions from nearly every player. On the other hand, South Africa progressed from Group B with 3 wins out of 4 matches, defeating the West Indies by 10 wickets, Scotland by 80 runs, and Bangladesh by 7 wickets. Their only defeat came against England by 7 wickets, but only a few players have contributed to their success so far.
Squads:
Australia women’s cricket team
Alyssa Healy (C), Tahlia McGrath, Darcie Brown, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Heather Graham, Georgia Wareham
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:
Ash Gardner
The 27-year-old all-rounder in T20Is, from 74 innings, has amassed 1,411 runs at an average of 24.75, with a strike rate of 127.69, while also taking 78 wickets from 82 outings, maintaining an economy rate of 6.53. Ash hasn’t had much success with the bat in the required brief stays, while with the ball, she has produced figures of 1/14, 0/22, 4/21, and 1/32. She can be relied upon for the goods, stepping up her efforts.
Sophie Molineux
The 26-year-old left-arm off-spinner, from 37 T20Is, has claimed 41 wickets at an economy rate of 5.77 and recorded the best of 4/16. Sophie had an outstanding year leading up to the World Cup, and continuing in the momentum, she has returned bowling figures of 2/20, 2/15, 1/19, and 2/32 in the league games. She can be counted on to produce breakthroughs and handy runs if asked to bat anywhere in the top four.
Marizanne Kapp
The 34-year-old all-rounder, from 93 T20I innings, has accumulated 1,614 runs at a strike rate of 105.28, and from 97 bowling outings, she has picked up 87 wickets at an economy rate of 5.51, registering bests of 75 and 4/6. Marizanne has been outstanding in this campaign, registering scores of 26, 43, and 13*, while also producing bowling figures of 2/14, 1/17, 0/12, and 1/10. At her best with both bat and ball, her success often translates to the team’s win.
Ayabonga Khaka
The 32-year-old pacer, from 65 T20I innings, has scalped 51 wickets, including the best of 4/23, maintaining an economy rate of 6.61. Ayabonga produced a 5-fer in a warm-up game, however, followed up with returns of 0/12 (3), 0/21 (3.2), 1/8 (3), and 0/24 (4) in the league games. While she hasn’t scalped many wickets in this campaign, she has been economical and hopefully finds her wicket-taking form, leading the wickets tally.
Pitch:
The center wicket at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium poses challenges for batters due to its spin-friendly nature, leading to an average score in the 130s. However, the healthy average score also indicates conducive conditions for scoring runs, keeping the batters in the game.
Weather:
It will be a pleasant day for cricket in Dubai, with no expected rain interruptions and partly cloudy skies. The temperature will be around 32°C, with moderate winds and 56% humidity.
Fantasy playing XI:
Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Laura Wolvaardt, Tahlia McGrath, Phoebe Litchfield, Marizanne Kapp, Ash Gardner, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Megan Schutt, Sophie Molineux
Match details:
Date – October 17, 2024
Time – 7:30 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.
Loves all things female cricket