The 3rd place playoff game of the ongoing 2023 Hong Kong Women’s Twenty20 (T20) Quadrangular series is scheduled between Nepal and Japan at Hong Kong Cricket Club, Wong Nai Chung Gap, on the 19th of November, 2023, at 7:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Nepal – Indu Barma (C), Bindu Rawal (VC), Rubina Chhetry, Sita Rana Magar, Ashmina Karmacharya, Kajol Shrestha, Kanchan Shrestha, Somu Bist, Puja Mahato, Roma Thapa, Sangita Rai, Khushi Dangol, Samjhana Khadka, Sony Pakhrin
Japan – Ahilya Chandel, Ayumi Fujikawa, Kiyo Fujikawa, Hinase Goto, Palak Gundecha, Ruan Kanai, Elena Kusuda-Nairn, Akari Nishimura, Meg Ogawa, Shrunali Ranade, Seika Sumi, Erika Toguchi-Quinn, Mai Yanagida (C), Nonoha Yasumoto
Players to watch out:
Sita Rana Magar
The 31-year-old all-rounder has amassed 752 runs and scalped 42 wickets from 44 appearances, including respective bests of 82* and 5/16. In the lead-up to the series, Sita was in excellent form both with the bat and ball. However, she hasn’t bowled yet this series and has one score in the 40s along with a couple of single-digit scores. She’ll be relied upon to convert her starts and go on to post a significant score.
Rubina Chhetry
The 29-year-old all-rounder in T20Is, in 41 batting innings, has amassed 565 runs, including the highest of 50, and has taken 34 wickets off 45 outings, with the best being 4/2. Rubina departed for a duck in the series opener but staged a quick comeback, registering scores of 25 and 38, while producing bowling figures of 1/18, 0/10, and 0/10 in the following games. Form is no concern, and the team will hope for Rubina to have a good game.
Mai Yanagida
The 30-year-old all-rounder in T20Is, in 27 batting outings, has added 196 runs to the tally while also striking 11 wickets from 18 outings. Japan has struggled for runs this series, and Mai, who kicked off her series with a fine 32, was expected to build on the momentum but departed for scores of 6 and 1 in subsequent games. The team will want her to rediscover her form and step up for the side yet again.
Erika Toguchi-Quinn
The 22-year-old leg-spinner, in 11 T20I outings, has taken 8 wickets at an economy rate of 4.81, with the best figures being 3/13. Erika has been brilliant with the ball for the team this series, recording figures of 0/15 (2), 3/13 (4), and 0/14 (4). Erika had an excellent outing against Nepal in her most recent game, and it’ll be expected of her to carry forward this form and provide the team with early inroads.
Pitch:
The Hong Kong Cricket Club is a low-scoring venue that typically favors bowlers, especially pacers. The pitch has a neutral character but the average score at this venue is in the 90s, making it a challenging ground for batters.
Weather:
The conditions at Hong Kong Cricket Club are expected to be pleasant for the game, with clear bright skies and a minimal chance of rain. The temperature is forecasted to be around 19°C, with light winds and humidity at 54%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Kajol Shrestha, Indu Barma, Sita Rana Magar, Mai Yanagida, Erika Toguchi-Quinn, Ayumi Fujikawa, Rubina Chhetry, Ahilya Chandel, Sangita Rai, Puja Mahato, Ashmina Karmacharya
Match details:
Date – November 19, 2023
Time – 7:00 AM IST
Venue – Hong Kong Cricket Club, Wong Nai Chung Gap
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on FanCode and Cricket Hong Kong’s Facebook page.