The third match of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2021 will be played between West Indies and Ireland on November 23 at the Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare. Both the teams are fresh from an ODI series win going into this tournament. While West Indies beat Pakistan 3-0 in the away series, Ireland thrashed Zimbabwe 3-1 also in an away series.
Squads
West Indies: Stafanie Taylor (c), Anisa Mohammed, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Sheneta Grimmond, Chinelle Henry, Qiana Joseph, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Hayley Matthews, Chedean Nation, Shakera Selman, Rashada Williams
Ireland: Laura Delany (c), Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Shauna Kavanagh, Gaby Lewis, Louise Little, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Celeste Raack, Eimear Richardson, Rebecca Stokell, Mary Waldron
Players to watch out for
Stafanie Taylor:
The captain of West Indies is one of the best players in the side. Having recently entered the 5000+ ODI runs club in women’s cricket, she is the leading run-getter for West Indies. Apart from her prolific batting ability, she is more than handy with the ball, as she can roll her arm over to bowl right arm off spin. West Indies will want their skipper to fire on all cylinders in this tournament.
Deandra Dottin:
The swashbuckling opening bat of West Indies is a devastating batter and can tear apart any bowling opposition. She is a big hitter of the cricket ball and is known for her ability to score at a brisk pace. In addition to her batting, she can bowl occasional right-arm medium pace. Just like Taylor, she is one of the most seasoned campaigners in the Caribbean line-up.
Laura Delany:
The captain of Ireland had a wonderful outing in the four-match away ODI series against Zimbabwe that was played in October. The right-hand bat and right-arm quick made incredible contributions with her all-around ability. She muscled 189 runs in three innings at an average of 63 and strike rate of 108.62, including two half-centuries. With the ball, scalped four wickets in as many matches. She also won the ICC player of the month award for her all-around contributions.
Cara Murray:
The right arm leg spinner was the most successful bowler in the Ireland-Zimbabwe ODI series. The wily spinner claimed eight wickets in four matches at an average of 22.25 and an economy of under six. Her best bowling figures were 3-56 in 10 overs. She has the ability to pitch in consistent lines and lengths making it difficult for batters to score off her.
Weather
The weather is expected to be cloudy throughout the course of the match. A couple of thunderstorms are on the cards. The average temperature will be around 23 degrees Celsius. There is 65% chance of precipitation during the match. There will be a wind blowing from the southwest in the morning (local) and from the west in the afternoon (local).
Pitch
The last match played at this venue saw the team batting second winning the match. More than 400 runs were scored in the game. Out of the 13 wickets that were picked up by the bowlers, spinners accounted for 10, while pacers claimed just the three. Overall, the wicket is good for batting, but at the same time, there is some purchase for the bowlers.
Fantasy playing XI
Shauna Kavanagh, Deandra Dottin, Gaby Lewis, Rebecca Stokell, Hayley Matthews, Stafanie Taylor, Cara Murray, Georgina Dempsey, Shakera Selman, Shamilia Connell
Match details
Date: November 23, 2021
Time: 1pm IST
Venue: Old Hararians 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.