Following a commanding win for both Australia and South Africa, the ongoing 3-match One-Day International (ODI) series is down to the series decider on the 10th of February 2024 at North Sydney Oval, Australia, at 9:10 AM Indian Standard Time.
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:
Beth Mooney
The 30-year-old batter, averaging 51.00, has amassed 2244 runs, including the highest of 133, from 63 ODI outings. Beth, in this series, registered scores of 72* and 82 an inning apart in the Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), and translated the same form into the ODIs, registering a solid 52* in the opener. Though she departed for a duck in her previous outing, it’ll be hoped she leads the scoring.
Annabel Sutherland
The 22-year-old all-rounder, in ODIs, from 15 innings, has added 389 runs to the tally and struck 30 wickets from 26 outings, with respective bests of 109* and 4/31. Annabel hasn’t been required with the bat this series, barring a game, while with the ball, she’s been economical and bagged a wicket each in both her ODIs. It’ll be hoped she delivers the goods, especially with the bat.
Marizanne Kapp
The 34-year-old all-rounder, from 118 innings, has racked up 2792 runs and from 132 outings has picked up 156 wickets. Marizanne has registered successive scores of 50* and 75, and in the T20Is as well, registered a quick-fire 75. She’s been effective with the ball and produced figures of 3/12 in her most recent game. The team will count on her to step up for the team yet again.
Nadine de Klerk
The 24-year-old all-rounder has taken 42 wickets, including the best of 4/32, from 32 outings, and also chipped in 384 runs, including the highest of 60, from 26 innings. In the 2 ODIs, Nadine has registered scores of 18 and 14, while also returning figures of 1/19 and 2/26. She’ll be backed to build on her scores, registering a big knock in this game while continuing her bowling form.
Pitch:
The wicket at North Sydney Oval 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, pacers in particular.
Weather:
The conditions are ideal at the North Sydney Oval as the chances of rain are minimal, with the overhead expected to be partly cloudy. The temperature is forecasted to hover around 23°C with moderate winds and a humidity level of 66%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Beth Mooney, Laura Wolvaardt, Tahlia McGrath, Phoebe Litchfield, Ashleigh Gardner, Marizanne Kapp, Chloé Tryon, Annabel Sutherland, Nadine de Klerk, Megan Schutt, Kim Garth
Match details:
Date – February 10, 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.