New Zealand’s tour of South Africa kicks off on the 24th of September, 2023, with the first of three One-Day Internationals (ODIs). The game is scheduled to be played at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom, and commences at 1:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
South Africa – Laura Wolvaardt (C), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Mieke de Ridder, Lara Goodall, Sinalo Jafta (WK), Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloe Tryon, Delmi Tucker
New Zealand – Sophie Devine (C), Kate Anderson, Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Melie Kerr, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu
Players to watch out:
Sune Luus
The 27-year-old all-rounder in ODIs, in 90 outings with the bat, has accumulated 1926 runs and produced 115 wickets from 88 bowling innings. Sune’s best in the format with the bat is an unbeaten 107 that she recently got to in Pakistan, and with the ball, her best is a stunning 6/36. Sune hasn’t followed up a big score with another, so she would want to display consistency if she gets going.
Chloe Tryon
The 29-year-old all-rounder in ODIs, in 79 batting outings, has scored 1652 runs, including a highest score of 92, and has scalped 43 wickets in 68 bowling innings. Chloe wasn’t part of the South African side that toured Pakistan, however, she isn’t rusty, despite having last played international cricket in February as she spent the last few months in England, featuring across all three major domestic competitions and was exceptional with the ball, if not with the bat.
Suzie Bates
The 36-year-old all-rounder has piled on 5359 runs from 145 ODI batting innings and has proved handy with the ball, bagging 75 wickets in 103 innings. Suzie, in the lead-up to the competition, featured in The Hundred and the Women’s Caribbean Premier League and looked in good touch. Her most recent ODI outing was against Sri Lanka in July when she scored a fine 63*.
Fran Jonas
The 19-year-old left-arm spinner, in 17 ODI appearances, has picked up 14 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 4.72, and has registered the best of 3/16. Fast-tracked from the under-19 set-up, Fran hasn’t quite nailed international cricket yet, and it could be a crucial series for her, as she picked up just 1 wicket in a 3-match series against Sri Lanka.
Pitch:
The center wicket at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom, provides a well-balanced playing surface, slightly favoring the batters. Despite being good for batting, the average score in the 220s suggests that bowlers, especially spinners, can expect some assistance from the pitch.
Weather:
Despite cloudy skies overhead, the chances of rain are minimal, and the forecast promises a complete game of cricket at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom. The temperature is forecasted to hover around 31°C, with moderate winds and humidity at 19%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Izzy Gaze, Laura Wolvaardt, Suzie Bates, Sune Luus, Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Melie Kerr, Sophie Devine, Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Tryon, Nonkululeko Mlaba
Match details:
Date – September 24, 2023
Time – 1:30 PM IST
Venue – Senwes Park, Potchefstroom
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
