The highly awaited South Africa’s all-format tour of Australia kicks off on the 27th of January 2024 with the 1st of 3 Twenty20 Internationals. The game will be played at Manuka Oval, Canberra, and the action commences at 5:15 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Australia – Alyssa Healy (C), Darcie Brown, Heather Graham, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham
South Africa – Laura Wolvaardt (C), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Mieke de Ridder (WK), Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta (WK), Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Chloe Tryon, Delmi Tucker
Players to watch out:
Phoebe Litchfield
The 20-year-old batter, averaging 61.00 and striking at 179.41, has amassed 183 runs, including the highest of 52*, from 6 T20Is. Batting in the middle order, Phoebe registered successive scores of 40, 18*, and 17* in the side’s recent tour of India. It’ll be hoped she carries forward the momentum into this series.
Georgia Wareham
The 24-year-old all-rounder in T20Is, from 45 outings has scalped 49 wickets, at an economy rate of 6.13 and striking at 147.94, has added 108 runs to the tally from 13 outings. Georgia picked up 5 wickets in 3 T20Is against India while also chipping in with the bat. She’ll be counted on to deliver the goods.
Laura Wolvaardt
The 24-year-old opening batter, from 55 T20Is, has racked up 1362 runs at an average of 34.05, with a strike rate of 110.91, and registered the highest of 72. Laura was amongst the runs in her recent series, and although she was dismissed for a duck in the practice game on this tour, she’ll be backed to lead the scoring.
Nadine de Klerk
The 24-year-old all-rounder, from 45 T20I appearances, has accumulated 409 runs, including the highest of 37*, and has bagged 34 wickets, with the best being 3/7. In the practice T20 game, Nadine smashed a 24-ball 48* and returned figures of 1/21 (3). It’ll be hoped she replicates the same form in this series.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at Manuka Oval is relatively balanced with an average score in the 130s. While conditions are conducive for batting, the wicket also offers assistance to both pacers and spinners, as reflected in the average score.
Weather:
The conditions at Manuka Oval are expected to be pleasant for the game with clear overhead. The temperature is forecasted to hover around 23°C, with moderate winds and humidity of 52%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Laura Wolvaardt, Phoebe Litchfield, Marizanne Kapp, Ashleigh Gardner, Chloe Tryon, Tahlia McGrath, Annabel Sutherland, Nadine de Klerk, Georgia Wareham
Match details:
Date – January 27, 2024
Time – 5:15 AM IST
Venue – Manuka Oval, Canberra
Broadcast – The game will be telecasted by Star Sports and live-streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.
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