Group A teams Sri Lanka and Thailand will go head-to-head in the curtain raiser of the 2024 International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Twenty20 (T20) World Cup Global Qualifier. The game will be played at Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi, on the 25th of April, 2024, at 4:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Sri Lanka – Chamari Athapaththu (C), Vishmi Gunaratne, Nilakshi de Silva, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Hasini Perera, Anushka Sanjeewani, Udeshika Prabodhani, Inoka Ranaweera, Achini Kulasuriya, Hansima Karunaratne, Kawya Kavindi, Inoshi Fernando, Sugandika Kumari, Sashini Gimhani
Thailand – Naruemol Chaiwai (C), Thipatcha Putthawong (VC), Nannapat Khoncharoenkai, Suwanan Khiaoto, Chanida Sutthiruang, Nattaya Boochatham, Natthakan Chantham, Rosenanee Kanoh, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Suleeporn Laomi, Phannita Maya, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Nannaphat Chaihan, Chayanisa Phengpaen
Players to watch out:
Chamari Athapaththu
The 34-year-old all-rounder in T20Is, from 123 outings, has amassed 2731 runs, including the highest of 113, and struck 41 wickets from 68 innings, with the best being 3/17. Chamari against Thailand hasn’t scored many runs, but fresh off a 195* against South Africa, she’s high on confidence and can be relied upon for all-round efforts.
Inoka Ranaweera
The 38-year-old left-arm off-spinner, from 80 T20I appearances, has bagged 88 wickets, including the best of 4/7, at an economy rate of 5.88 and can also be handy with the bat. Inoka warmed up for the competition returning figures of 2/13 and 2/14 against the Netherlands and Vanuatu. It’ll be hoped she carries this form into the tournament.
Naruemol Chaiwai
The 33-year-old top-order batter, averaging 23.32, has accumulated 1306 runs from 71 T20I innings and recorded the highest of 83*. Naruemol has a decent record against Sri Lanka with a highest of 43 and has registered scores of 18 and 39 in the lead-up to the competition. She’ll be backed to capitalize on her scores.
Onnicha Kamchomphu
The 26-year-old all-rounder in T20Is, from 69 outings, has scalped 71 wickets and chipped in scoring 124 runs from 36 innings, registering respective bests of 4/6 and 26. In a couple of games in the lead-up to the Qualifier, Onnicha has displayed promising form, especially with the ball, and will be counted on to step up, and deliver the goods.
Pitch:
The average score in the 130s indicates favorable conditions for scoring runs as batters benefit from even bounce, allowing them to display their stroke play effectively. Additionally, spinners find assistance due to the dry pitch, with the potential for turn.
Weather:
With clear sunny skies, the weather conditions are ideal for a complete game of cricket. The temperature is expected to hover around 32°C with moderate winds and a humidity level of 26%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Nannapat Khoncharoenkai, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshi de Silva, Thipatcha Putthawong, Chamari Athapaththu, Chanida Sutthiruang, Kavisha Dilhari, Nattaya Boochatham, Sugandika Kumari, Achini Kulasuriya
Match details:
Date – April 25, 2024
Time – 4:30 PM IST
Venue – Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on FanCode and ICC TV.