On the back of a Twenty20 International (T20I) series whitewash, the hosts, South Africa, registered a spirited win in the 3-match One Day International (ODI) series opener in their ongoing multi-format series against England. The 2nd ODI, a must-win for the visitors, gets underway at 1:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 8th of December 2024 at Kingsmead, Durban.
Squads:
South Africa women cricket team
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Chloé Tryon
England women cricket team
Heather Knight (C), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
Players to watch out:
Marizanne Kapp
The 34-year-old all-rounder in ODIs, from 126 innings, has amassed 3,078 runs at an average of 34.20, and from 137 outings has picked up 160 wickets at an economy rate of 3.81, with bests of 114 and 5/45. Marizanne plays in this series on the back of a quiet T20 campaign, and while she looked good for her 22 runs in the ODI series opener, her bowling returns read 3/24. It is hoped she steps up with an all-round effort.
Nonkululeko Mlaba
The 24-year-old left-arm off-spinner, from 26 ODIs, has bagged 23 wickets, including the best of 3/39, maintaining an economy rate of 4.75. Mlaba has been in rewarding form of late, most recently bagging 12 wickets from 6 T20I outings at the World Cup and followed up her wicketless outings from the T20Is in this series with a 2/47 in the ODI series opener. She could well capitalize on this form, providing breakthroughs.
Nat Sciver-Brunt
The 32-year-old all-rounder, averaging 47.12 with the bat, has piled on 3,676 runs from 97 ODI outings, while also securing 77 wickets from 95 innings, maintaining an economy rate of 4.40. Nat kicked off their campaign with back-to-back fifties (59 and 67*) in the T20Is, alongside bowling figures of 0/17 and 1/32. Though she departed for a duck in the 1st ODI, she can be trusted to lead the scoring and also contribute with the ball.
Lauren Filer
The 23-year-old pacer, from 11 ODI appearances, has struck 17 wickets at an average of 18.88, an economy rate of 4.73, and recorded the best of 4/73. Lauren has had a notable series thus far, producing economical returns of 0/30 (4) and 1/28 (4) in the T20Is, and 1/45 (6) in the ODI series opener. She should be backed to build on this momentum, leading the wickets tally for the side, in pace-friendly conditions.
Pitch:
Kingsmead dishes out a good batting deck with an average score in the 220s. However, the wicket poses a challenge for batters due to its lively nature, particularly early on against pacers, while spinners also remain in the game throughout.
Weather:
The conditions in Durban are expected to be pleasant for cricket, with bright, clear skies overhead. The temperature will hover in the late 20s (°C), with moderate winds and 70% humidity.
Fantasy playing XI:
Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Laura Wolvaardt, Tammy Beaumont, Nadine de Klerk, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Marizanne Kapp, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Charlie Dean
Match details:
Date – December 8, 2024
Time – 1:30 PM IST
Venue – Kingsmead, Durban
Broadcast – Access live scores on the FanCode app and website.
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