A convincing win in the opener, followed by a commanding victory in the 2nd One-Day International (ODI), secures a series win for the hosts, South Africa, against New Zealand. The 3rd and final ODI will take place at Kingsmead, Durban, on the 1st of October, starting at 1:00 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:
Laura Wolvaardt
The 24-year-old opening batter, in 84 ODI outings, has amassed 3397 runs at an average of 45.90, with a best score of 149. Laura had a disappointing performance in the recent series against Pakistan, with scores of 17, 13, and a duck in three games. However, she made a strong comeback in the series opener with a half-century and continued to better, eventually scoring a record-breaking 124* in her most recent outing.
Masabata Klaas
The 32-year-old pacer, in ODIs, has taken 61 wickets in 61 bowling outings and contributed 110 runs in 34 batting innings. In the series against Pakistan, Masabata only managed to bag 3 wickets, all in one game, but consistently delivered economical spells. However, in the ongoing series against New Zealand, she has regained her wicket-taking form, securing 5 wickets in 2 games.
Sophie Devine
The 34-year-old all-rounder has piled on 3541 runs from 126 outings and taken 93 wickets from 114 bowling innings. Sophie boasts a healthy average of 31.06 in the format; however, she has struggled to find her form in the series, departing cheaply on scores of 5 and 12. With the ball as well, Sophie hasn’t performed at her best, recording figures of 1/38 (6) and 0/23 (3).
Hannah Rowe
The 26-year-old all-rounder in ODIs, in 45 bowling outings, has bagged 49 wickets, including the best of 5/55, and in 29 batting outings has accumulated 288 runs. Hannah Rowe has had a brilliant away series against South Africa, not only for registering bowling figures of 2/26 (6) and 1/32 (5) but also for significantly contributing with the bat, proving herself as an all-rounder now at the international stage, notching up scores of 52 and 40.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at the Kingsmead, Durban, caters to both batters and bowlers. Although it is a batting-friendly surface, the average score at the venue remains in the 220s, indicating assistance for bowlers, particularly pacers.
Weather:
It will be a pleasant day for cricket at Kingsmead, Durban, with no expected rain interruptions and mostly cloudy skies. The temperature will be around 19°C, with moderate winds and a humidity level of 61%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Izzy Gaze, Suzie Bates, Laura Wolvaardt, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Sophie Devine, Melie Kerr, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, Masabata Klaas, Hannah Rowe
Match details:
Date – October 1, 2023
Time – 1:00 PM IST
Venue – Kingsmead, Durban
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.