Hosts Zimbabwe and South Africa Emerging are set to face off in a 6-match Twenty20 (T20) series, that has its opener slated for the 19th of November, 2023, at 5:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) at Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe.
Squads:
Zimbabwe – Mary-Anne Musonda, Josephine Nkomo, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Modester Mupachikwa, Ashley Ndiraya, Kelis Ndhlovu, Pellagia Mujaji, Chiyedza Dhururu, Nomvelo Sibanda, Precious Marange, Audrey Mazvishaya, Nyasha Gwanzura, Francisca Chipare, Loreen Tshuma, Adel Zimunu, Kudzai Chigora, Lindokuhle Mabhera
South Africa Emerging – Nobulumko Baneti, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke De Ridder, Jenna Evans, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Leah Jones, Tebogo Macheke, Eliz-Mari Marx, Refilwe Moncho, Seshnie Naidu, Asakhe Nyovane, Nondumiso Shangase, Andrie Steyn, Jané Winster
Players to watch out:
Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano
The 31-year-old batter has amassed 743 T20 International (T20I) runs, including the highest of 80, at a strike rate of 107.83 and an average of 26.53. Chipo didn’t have the best of outings in her most recent international series, but she has been brilliant on home soil, and she’ll be backed to perform well, being a vital cog in the team’s XI.
Josephine Nkomo
The 26-year-old all-rounder in T20Is, in 25 outings, has accumulated 342 runs, including the highest of 56*, and in 31 bowling outings has bagged 30 wickets, with the best being 4/7. Josephine has been handy with the bat, and the conditions will suit her bowling. She’s the one the team will bank on for the win.
Andrie Steyn
The 26-year-old batter has just about 1000 runs in international cricket across formats and has been outstanding in One-Day Internationals. In the ongoing domestic season, Andrie has notched up a couple of scores in the 60s, with the most recent one posted earlier this month. It’ll be expected of Andrie to translate the same form and lead the side from the front.
Jané Winster
The 29-year-old off-spinner has had a notable lead-up to the series, registering figures of 1/29, 4/19, and 2/22 in her previous 3 outings. Jané also played a tour game against New Zealand, so she has had a taste of playing against strong opponents. She is a promising spinner and is in contention for a national team debut, making this series crucial for her.
Pitch:
The Harare Sports Club dishes a well-balanced center wicket that caters to both batters and bowlers. While the smaller ground dimensions favor the batters, the average score of 130 also implies that the pitch is likely to aid bowlers, pacers in particular.
Weather:
With sunny skies and a minimal chance of rain, the conditions are ideal for a complete game of cricket in Harare. The temperature is expected to hover around 32°C, with light winds and humidity of 29%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Modester Mupachikwa, Mary-Anne Musonda, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Andrie Steyn, Lara Goodall, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nondumiso Shangase, Kelis Ndhlovu, Jané Winster, Ayanda Hlubi, Lindokuhle Mabhera
Match details:
Date – November 19, 2023
Time – 5:30 PM IST
Venue – Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe
Broadcast – T.B.C.