Following the One-Day International (ODI) series opener between hosts South Africa and Sri Lanka abandoned due to rain and the hosts registering a convincing win in the 2nd ODI, Sri Lanka will want a win in the upcoming fixture to avoid a clean sweep. The series decider is scheduled for the 17th of April, 2024, at 5:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST), at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom.
Squads:
South Africa – Laura Wolvaardt (C), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Delmi Tucker
Sri Lanka – Chamari Athapaththu (C), Vishmi Gunaratne, Nilakshi de Silva, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Hasini Perera, Anushka Sanjeewani, Oshadi Ranasinghe, Udeshika Prabodhani, Inoka Ranaweera, Achini Kulasuriya, Hansima Karunaratne, Imesha Dulani, Kawya Kavindi, Inoshi Fernando, Sugandika Kumari, Prasadini Weerakkody
Players to watch out:
Nadine de Klerk
The 24-year-old all-rounder in ODIs has added 438 runs to the tally from 28 innings, while from 34 outings has claimed 46 wickets, registering bests of 60 and 4/32. Nadine has been in fine form this series, scalping 7 wickets from 4 innings and registering consecutive scores of 16*, 44*, and 34. She can be counted on for another all-round effort.
Eliz-Mari Marx
The 21-year-old bowling all-rounder, from 6 ODI appearances, has struck as many wickets, with the best being 2/22, maintaining an economy rate of 5.29. Eliz-Mari in the series has returned figures of 1/27 (3) and 1/38 (8), and while she hasn’t scored many runs, she can be handy lower down the order. She’ll be backed to capitalize on this momentum.
Nilakshi de Silva
The 34-year-old middle-order batter, from 30 ODI innings, has accumulated 556 runs, including the highest of 48*, averaging 22.24. Nilakshi hasn’t scored many runs on this tour; however, in her most recent outing, she scored a handy 36. It’ll be expected of the seasoned batter to make the most of this return of form, leading the scoring in this decider.
Achini Kulasuriya
The 33-year-old pacer, from 20 ODIs, has picked up 9 wickets at an economy rate of 5.19. Achini kicked off this tour with successive figures of 2/39 and 2/26 and though finished wicketless in the next couple of games, she produced figures of 1/35 in her most recent game. With the wicket favorable for pace, she will be banked upon for the breakthroughs.
Pitch:
The 22 yards at Senwes Park offer greater assistance to bowlers compared to batters. The average score at the venue is only a modest score in the 180s, and batters will need to display discipline and skill to post a competitive total on this pitch.
Weather:
The temperature is forecasted to hover around 18°C, with a humidity level of 64% and light winds. If the skies don’t clear, expect rain delays and interruptions during the match hours, with scattered thundershowers on the radar.
Fantasy playing XI:
Anushka Sanjeewani, Laura Wolvaardt, Hasini Perera, Nilakshi de Silva, Chamari Athapaththu, Marizanne Kapp, Kavisha Dilhari, Nadine de Klerk, Achini Kulasuriya, Ayabonga Khaka, Eliz-Mari Marx
Match details:
Date – April 17, 2024
Time – 5:30 PM IST
Venue – Senwes Park, Potchefstroom
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.