Following disappointing finishes to their respective T20 World Cup campaigns in October—South Africa losing in the Final and England facing an early exit—the two teams will face off in the 1st of three T20Is at Buffalo Park, East London. The multi-format series, featuring 3 T20Is, 3 ODIs, and a one-off Test, kicks off on the 24th of November 2024 at 5:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
South Africa women’s cricket team
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta (WK), Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloé Tryon, Faye Tunnicliffe
England women’s cricket team
Heather Knight (C), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones (WK), Freya Kemp, Alice Capsey, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
Players to watch out:
Laura Wolvaardt
The 25-year-old opening batter, from 72 T20I outings, has amassed 1,988 runs at an average of 36.14, a strike rate of 115.17, and registered the highest score of 102. Laura has been in notable form lately, coming into the series fresh off scoring 193 runs from 9 outings in a T20 competition, averaging 24.12 and striking at 119.87. She can be counted on to lead the scoring, building on this form.
Nonkululeko Mlaba
The 24-year-old left-arm off-spinner, from 56 T20I outings, has taken 50 wickets, including the best of 4/29, maintaining an economy rate of 6.22. Nonkululeko displayed outstanding form during the team’s most recent campaign, the 2024 T20 World Cup, taking 12 wickets from only 6 games, averaging 11.33 and maintaining an economy rate of 5.66. She’ll be trusted for breakthroughs.
Heather Knight
The 33-year-old top-order batter, from 110 T20I innings, has posted 2,094 runs at an average of 25.53, a strike rate of 120.00, and has also chipped in with 21 wickets. Heather’s welcome return to form in her 6-match 2024 WBBL stint saw her score 226 runs at an average of 45.20 and a strike rate of 149.66. She can be relied upon to carry the momentum into this series and produce the goods.
Lauren Filer
The 23-year-old pacer has featured in only a handful of games in international cricket but made a strong early impression. From 5 T20Is, she has claimed 4 wickets at an economy rate of 6.35. In her most recent international campaign, a One-Day International against Ireland in September, Lauren returned figures of 1/44, 3/10, and 2/22, and she can be relied upon to spearhead the bowling attack.
Pitch:
Buffalo Park offers a well-balanced center wicket that features a fair contest between bat and ball. It provides favorable conditions for spinners to excel, while batters also find delight in the pitch, with an average score in the 120s.
Weather:
It will be a pleasant day for cricket in East London, with no expected rain interruptions and bright, sunny skies. The temperature will be around 26°C, with moderate winds and a humidity level of 72%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Amy Jones, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Laura Wolvaardt, Heather Knight, Tazmin Brits, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Freya Kemp, Alice Capsey, Sophie Ecclestone, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Charlie Dean
Match details:
Date – November 24, 2024
Time – 5:30 PM IST
Venue – Buffalo Park, East London
Broadcast – T.B.C.
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