Hosts Bangladesh whitewashed Ireland in the recently concluded 3-match One Day International (ODI) series, and the first of three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) is scheduled for the 5th of December 2024. The game is set to begin at 1:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram.
Squads:
Bangladesh women’s cricket teams
Nigar Sultana Joty (C, WK), Nahida Akter (VC), Murshida Khatun, Dilara Akter, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Jahanara Alam, Jannatul Ferdus Sumona, Taj Nehar, Shanjida Akhter Maghla
Ireland women’s cricket team
Gaby Lewis (C), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Laura Delany, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Una Raymond-Hoey, Freya Sargent, Rebecca Stokell
Players to watch out:
Nigar Sultana Joty
The 27-year-old keeper-batter, from 97 T20I innings, has accumulated 2,048 runs at an average of 27.30, a strike rate of 89.98, and registered the highest score of 113*. Nigar, in her most recent T20I campaign, registered scores of 18, 15, 39, and 32*. However, in the ODI series, she departed cheaply for 28, 40, and 18*. She should be backed for improved efforts, following up her starts with a big score.
Rabeya Khan
The 19-year-old leg-spinner, from 31 T20I outings, has taken 33 wickets at an average of 16.90, a strike rate of 5.25, and recorded the best figures of 4/8. Rabeya had a notable campaign in their recent T20I outings, returning figures of 1/20 (4), 1/15 (4), 0/26 (2.5), and 0/23 (3.2). She carried the momentum into the series, with economical returns, and can be counted on for breakthroughs.
Amy Hunter
The 19-year-old keeper-batter, with an average of 29.18, has amassed 934 runs from 38 T20I innings, at a strike rate of 111.45, and registered the highest score of 101*. Leading up to this series, Amy departed for 1 in both T20Is against Ireland but managed a welcome return to form with scores of 68 and 23 in the ODIs this series. It is hoped she replicates this success in the T20Is.
Freya Sargent
The 18-year-old off-spinner, from 9 T20I appearances, has claimed as many wickets, including the best of 3/30, while maintaining an economy rate of 6.57. Notably, Freya’s T20I best of 3/30 came against England in their most recent series, and she found notable success in the subsequent ODI series against Bangladesh. She will be relied upon to lead the wicket tally.
Pitch:
The 22-yard pitch at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium makes for a well-balanced center wicket, providing a fair contest between bat and ball. The wicket assists both spinners and pacers effectively, while batters also enjoy their time in the middle, with an average score in the 120s.
Weather:
It will be a bright, sunny day in Chattogram, with the temperature expected to hover around 28°C, light winds, and a humidity level of 58%. With a clear forecast, we are in for a complete game of cricket.
Fantasy playing XI:
Nigar Sultana Joty, Amy Hunter, Gaby Lewis, Sharmin Akter Supta, Laura Delany, Orla Prendergast, Arlene Kelly, Shorna Akter, Nahida Akter, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan
Match details:
Date – December 5, 2024
Time – 1:30 PM IST
Venue – Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
Broadcast – The game will be live streamed on Bangladesh Cricket Board YouTube channel.
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