Following England’s 3-0 thumping win in the Twenty20 International (T20I) series against hosts South Africa, the series now moves to the One-Day Internationals (ODIs), with the first of three scheduled for the 4th of December 2024. The game will be played at Diamond Oval, Kimberley, and will get underway at 5:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
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:
Laura Wolvaardt
The 25-year-old opening batter, from 97 ODI outings, has amassed 4,148 runs at an average of 49.38 and registered the highest score of 184*. Laura has been among the runs lately, and in two T20I appearances in this all-format series, she registered scores of 22 and 25, while missing the third due to illness. Nonetheless, the seasoned batter can be relied upon to capitalize on the start she has had, leading the scoring.
Ayabonga Khaka
The 32-year-old pacer, from 102 ODI innings, has scalped 131 wickets, including the best of 5/26, while maintaining an economy rate of 4.17. Ayabonga was rested from the T20I series and was effective for the team in their recent campaign, the 2024 T20 World Cup, scalping 4 wickets from 6 outings and being mostly economical. She can be counted on for breakthroughs.
Tammy Beaumont
The 33-year-old opening batter, from 111 ODI innings, has racked up 4,094 runs at an average of 40.94, and with 21 fifties and 10 centuries, has registered the highest score of 168*. Tammy was not named in the squad for the T20Is, and in her most recent ODI series against Ireland in September, she followed up her score of 10 with an unbeaten 150 and 52. She can be relied upon for big runs.
Kate Cross
The 33-year-old pacer, from 69 ODI innings, has bagged 98 wickets at an economy rate of 4.40 and recorded the best of 6/30, while also being handy with the bat on most occasions. Kate was also not named in the T20I squad for this series, and her returns from the ODI series against Ireland read 6/30, 3/8, and 0/31. It is hoped she picks up where she left off, spearheading the bowling attack.
Pitch:
The Diamond Oval wicket is a batting-friendly surface, with an average score in the 210s. However, the wicket also has enough in it for bowlers, especially pacers, who can expect good bounce and assistance from the track.
Weather:
The temperature is expected to hover in the mid-30s (°C), and with no chance of rain, we are in for a complete game. The overhead conditions will be bright and sunny, with moderate winds and 18% humidity.
Fantasy playing XI:
Amy Jones, Laura Wolvaardt, Heather Knight, Tammy Beaumont, Marizanne Kapp, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alice Capsey, Nadine de Klerk, Kate Cross, Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean
Match details:
Date – December 4, 2024
Time – 5:30 PM IST
Venue – Diamond Oval, Kimberley
Broadcast – Access live scores on the FanCode app and website.
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