Following Australia’s dominating win in the opener of the 3-match One-Day International (ODI) series against visitors South Africa, the latter face a must-win situation in the 2nd ODI on the 7th of February, 2024. The game will be played at North Sydney Oval, Australia, with live action commencing at 9:10 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Australia – Alyssa Healy (C), Tahlia McGrath (VC), Darcie Brown, Heather Graham, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, 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, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Chloé Tryon, Delmi Tucker
Players to watch out:
Phoebe Litchfield
The 20-year-old batter, with 14 ODI appearances and an average of 56.00, has amassed 616 runs, including a couple of tons and four fifties, registering the highest of 119. Phoebe hasn’t yet got going in this series, departing with scores of 2, 4, and 12, but will be backed to find her footing in this game.
Alana King
The 28-year-old leg-spinner, from 23 ODI outings, has picked up 33 wickets, including the best of 3/16, and also chipped in with the bat, scoring 74 runs from 6 innings. Alana has been in outstanding form lately, and continuing on the same, returned figures of 3/19 in the ODI opener and will be banked upon for the goods.
Suné Luus
The 28-year-old all-rounder in ODIs, from 97 outings, has racked up 2111 runs and taken 115 wickets from 88 innings, registering respective bests of 107* and 6/36. Suné had a decent start to her campaign but hasn’t made the most of it. However, will be counted on to step up in this must-win.
Masabata Klaas
The 33-year-old pacer has bagged 64 wickets, including the best of 3/14, from 66 ODI outings, maintaining an economy rate of 4.84. Masabata, in her previous three outings, has registered figures of 2/16, 1/13, and 1/22, and it’ll be hoped she carries forward this form, delivering another impactful spell.
Pitch:
The center wicket at North Sydney Oval offers a fair contest between bat and ball. With an average score in the 240s, it promises an intriguing contest, while both spinners and pacers can also make an impact.
Weather:
Despite cloudy overhead, the chances of rain are minimal as the forecast promises a complete game of cricket at North Sydney Oval. The temperature is forecasted to be around 22°C, with moderate winds and humidity of 69%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Laura Wolvaardt, Tahlia McGrath, Marizanne Kapp, Ashleigh Gardner, Chloé Tryon, Annabel Sutherland, Alana King, Nadine de Klerk, Kim Garth
Match details:
Date – February 7, 2024
Time – 9:10 AM IST
Venue – North Sydney Oval, Australia
Broadcast – The game will be telecasted by Star Sports and live-streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.