The second match of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2021 will be played between Zimbabwe and Thailand on November 21 at the Harare Sports Club in Harare. While Zimbabwe have just recently played an ODI series against Bangladesh, Thailand were last seen on the international stage last year during the ICC World T20.
Match preview
Squads
Zimbabwe: Mary-Anne Musonda (c), Christabel Chatonzwa, Francisca Chipare, Chiedza Dhururu, Tasmeen Granger, Nyasha Gwanzura, Precious Marange, Sharne Mayers, Audrey Mazvishaya, Esther Mbofana, Modester Mupachikwa, Anesu Mushangwe, Ashley Ndiraya, Josephine Nkomo, Loryn Phiri, Nomvelo Sibanda, Loren Tshuma
Thailand: Naruemol Chaiwai (c), Nannapat Koncharoenkai, Nattaya Boochatham, Nattakan Chantam, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Rosenan Kanoh, Suleeporn Laomi, Wongpaka Liengprasert, Phannita Maya, Thipatcha Putthawong, Chanida Sutthiruang, Sornnarin Tippoch, Kanyakorn Bunthansen, Nannaphat Chaihan, Banthida Leephatthana
Players to watch out for
Naruemol Chaiwai:
Thailand, as a team, have been playing T20Is for quite some time, however, the team has not featured in a single ODI. Chaiwai, who is a right hand bat, is a seasoned T20I campaigner, having played 42 matches and scored 718 runs, including two half centuries. The captain is a middle order bat and will be expected to shoulder the batting responsibility of her side.
Nattaya Boochatham:
The opening batter is a solid performer, having represented Thailand in 42 T20I and mustered 459 runs, including one half-century. Apart from her batting, she is more than a handy off-spinner having scalped 59 wickets in 41 T20I innings, including the best of 4-3. She is a complete utility player given her ability with both bat and ball.
Esther Mbofana:
The right arm quick was the pick of the bowlers in the ODI series against Bangladesh. She struck with three wickets in as many matches. She bowled 12.3 overs giving away 60 runs and her economy was under five runs per over. She is a good new-ball bowler and can bowl well in the powerplays.
Modester Mupachikwa:
The right-hand opening batter top-scored for Zimbabwe in the recently concluded ODI series against Bangladesh at home. She muscled 48 runs in three matches. Apart from her batting, she is known for her safe wicket-keeping skills. Zimbabwe will want her to fire in the tournament and provide them with strong starts.
Weather
The weather is expected to be partly sunny in the morning (local) and cloudy with a thunderstorm in some parts of the area in the afternoon (local). The average temperature will be around 25 degrees Celsius. There is a 15% chance of precipitation in the morning and a 55% chance of precipitation in the afternoon. There will be a wind blowing from the northeast.
Pitch
This will be the first match of the tournament at this venue. Prior to this, the venue has hosted as many as 158 ODIs. Out of the 158 matches, teams batting first have won 75 matches, while teams batting second have won 77 matches. The remaining six matches did not produce any result. The highest score here is 350 runs while the lowest is 35 runs. Among the top five wicket-takers here, three have been quick bowlers and two have been spinners.
Fantasy playing XI
Modester Mupachikwa, Nannapat Koncharoenkai, Mary-Anne Musonda, Naruemol Chaiwai, Nattakan Chantam, Josephine Nkomo, Precious Marange, Sornnarin Tippoch, Esther Mbofana, Nattaya Boochatham, Nomvelo Sibanda
Match details
Date: November 21, 2021
Time: 1pm IST
Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
I am a former cricketer having represented Mumbai University at All India University level. I was a part of MCA probables for the U-19 and U-23 age group. I have been an avid cricket writer for the last five years. Currently I am pursuing my Ph.D from IIT Bombay.