Semi-Final 1 of the ongoing Division 1 International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Twenty20 (T20) World Cup Africa Regional Qualifier will feature a contest between Namibia and Zimbabwe. The game is scheduled for 12:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 16th of December 2023, at Entebbe Cricket Oval, Uganda.
Squads:
Namibia – Irene van Zyl (C), Naomi Benjamin, Jurriene Diergaardt, Merczerly Gorases, Kayleen Green, Victoria Hamunyela, Yasmeen Khan (WK), Bianca Manuel, Mekeleya Mwatile, Sylvia Shihepo, Saima Tuhadeleni, Sune Wittmann, Edelle Van Zyl
Zimbabwe – Mary-Anne Musonda (C), Modester Mupachikwa, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Ashley Ndiraya, Kelis Ndhlovu, Josephine Nkomo, Chiyedza Dhururu, Loreen Tshuma, Francisca Chipare, Precious Marange, Lindokuhle Mabhera, Nomvelo Sibanda, Audrey Mazvishaya, Nyasha Gwanzura
Players to watch out:
Jurriene Diergaardt
The 23-year-old all-rounder, in 53 T20I outings, has amassed 609 runs and chipped in with the ball, scalping 15 wickets at an economy rate of 4.84, while registering respective bests of 62* and 3/12. Jurriene in this tournament has registered scores of 6, 11, and 22*, and with the ball, has sent down just 3 overs. She’ll be backed to capitalize on this form to produce the goods.
Naomi Benjamin
The 18-year-old pacer, in 5 T20I outings, has picked up 4 wickets, with the best of 2/13 and an economy rate of 4.58. Naomi has been very impressive with the ball this tournament, producing figures of 1/13, 0/8, and 2/13. She has had a promising run thus far and will be banked on to carry forward the same form into the knockouts.
Modester Mupachikwa
The 26-year-old batter, in 38 T20I appearances, has racked up 854 runs, with the highest of 75*, averaging 30.50. Modester has been in outstanding form this tournament with scores of 7, 47*, and 22* to her name. The team will rely on Modester to continue this form, building on the momentum, and posting another impactful score.
Precious Marange
The 41-year-old all-rounder, in T20Is, in 25 batting outings has scored 207 runs and taken 38 wickets from 42 innings, with respective bests of 40 and 4/8. Precious kicked off her campaign with figures of 2/9 and followed up with figures of 0/13 and 3/13 in the next couple of games. It’ll be watched if she can continue this form.
Pitch:
The 22 yards at Entebbe Cricket Oval provide a somewhat neutral playing field, but the conditions are advantageous to bowlers over batters. Pacers in particular benefit from the conditions, and a score in the 130s can be deemed a competitive one on this wicket.
Weather:
The rain on the radar throughout the match duration could play spoilsport, if the skies don’t clear, resulting in a washout. The temperature is expected to hover around 23°C, with light winds and a humidity level of 80%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Modester Mupachikwa, Yasmeen Khan, Mary-Anne Musonda, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Kayleen Green, Kelis Ndhlovu, Nyasha Gwanzura, Precious Marange, Loreen Tshuma, Naomi Benjamin, Nomvelo Sibanda
Match details:
Date – December 16, 2023
Time – 12:00 PM IST
Venue – Entebbe Cricket Oval, Uganda
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
Loves all things female cricket