Hosts the United States of America and Argentina are scheduled to face off in the opener of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier. The game is set to take place on the 4th of September at the Woodley Cricket Field, California, at 10:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
United States of America – Sindhu Sriharsha (C, WK), Geetika Kodali (VC), Jivana Aras, Aditiba Chudasama, Gargi Bhogle, Disha Dhingra, Uzma Iftikhar, Anika Kolan, Chetna Reddy Pagydyala, Ritu Singh, Suhani Thadani, Isani Vaghela, Onika Wallerson, Jessica Willathgamuwa
Argentina – Alison Stocks (C), Veronica Vasquez (VC), Tamara Basile, Maria Castiñeiras, Julieta Cullen, Alina Emch, Albertina Galan, Catalina Greloni, Malena Lollo (WK), Mariana Martinez, Naara Patron Fuenteso (WK), Alison Prince, Constanza Sosa, Lucia Taylor
Players to watch out:
Sindhu Sriharsha
The 35-year-old keeper-batter, with 19 Twenty20 International (T20I) appearances, has scored 364 runs and has a highest score of 74*. Aside from domestic cricket, Sindhu’s most recent outing was during the 02 FairBreak Invitational earlier this year, however, had a below-par. Sindhu has geared up knowing her form will be crucial in determining the team’s success in the competition.
Jivana Aras
The 19-year-old pacer was part of the under-19 team that toured South Africa for the inaugural U-19 World Cup earlier this year but wasn’t tried much throughout the tour. Jivana had the opportunity to perform for the Sapphires in the FairBreak and seized it, producing figures of 4/32. Her wickets included the prized one of Laura Wolvaardt as well.
Alison Stocks
The 29-year-old pace all-rounder, in 19 T20Is, has scored 136 runs at a strike rate of 66.66 and struck 24 scalps at an economy rate of 4.59. Alison produced her career best of 7/3 in the South American Championship last year and of late has been effective with the ball, although not as much with the bat.
Lucia Taylor
The 25-year-old pace all-rounder, in 19 T20Is, has scored 243 runs, including the highest of 65, and has struck 12 scalps. Lucia has been brilliant lately, contributing with the bat, chipping in with handy runs, and consistently taking wickets with the ball. Her previous two bowling figures, 2/24 and 3/25, are proof of her excellent form.
Pitch:
The Woodley Cricket Field, California provides a well-balanced center wicket that caters to both batters and bowlers. It offers runs for batters, evidenced by the average in the 140s, while also providing ample assistance to bowlers, particularly the pacers.
Weather:
The Woodley Cricket Field, California, promises ideal conditions for a game of cricket with a partly cloudy overhead and a very low chance of rain. The temperature is expected to hover around 24°C with light winds and a humidity level of 65%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Sindhu Sriharsha, Naara Patron Fuenteso, Alison Prince, Veronica Vasquez, Chetna Reddy Pagydyala, Lucia Taylor, Alison Stocks, Albertina Galan, Aditiba Chudasama, Geetika Kodali, Mariana Martinez
Match details:
Date – September 4, 2023
Time – 10:30 PM IST
Venue – Woodley Cricket Field, California
Broadcast – All games of the tournament will be live-streamed on ICC.TV and the FanCode app and website.