Sri Lanka and Uganda will face each other in match no. 14 of the ongoing 2024 International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Twenty20 (T20) World Cup Global Qualifier, at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The game is scheduled for 4:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 1st of May, 2024.
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
Uganda – Janet Mbabazi (C), Rita Musamali (VC), Consy Aweko, Evelyn Anyipo, Kevin Awino, Stephanie Nampiina, Immaculate Nakisuyi, Sarah Akiteng, Sarah Walaza, Phionah Khulume, Lorna Anyait, Malisa Ariokot, Proscovia Alako, Gloria Obukor, Esther Iloku
Players to watch out:
Nilakshi de Silva
The 34-year-old middle-order batter has accumulated 938 runs from 71 T20I innings, including the highest of 63*, while also having 11 wickets to her name. Nilakshi hasn’t been required much with the bat or ball on this tour thus far; however, in the season opener, she scored an unbeaten 29. She is a handy all-rounder and can be counted on for the goods.
Inoshi Fernando
The 37-year-old off-spinner has scalped 25 wickets from 20 T20I innings, at an economy rate of 5.83 and registered the best of 4/10. Inoshi warmed up for the tournament producing figures of 1/15 (3) and 0/2 (2) and continuing on the momentum, she returned figures of 3/14 (4) and 3/11 (4) in the first couple of games. It’ll be hoped she continues this form.
Janet Mbabazi
The 28-year-old all-rounder in T20Is has amassed 890 runs from 68 outings and claimed 75 wickets from 59 innings, registering bests of 42* and 4/12. Janet has had a quiet campaign thus far, struggling for runs, while managing to find her bowling rhythm, registering figures of 0/20 (4) and 0/10 (2) in her previous outings. She’ll be backed to find her form.
Sarah Akiteng
The 21-year-old pacer, from 40 T20I innings, has bagged 37 wickets, including the best of 4/3, at an average of 16.37 and an economy rate of 4.31. Sarah has been in fine form on this tour of UAE, returning consecutive figures of 1/31, 1/18, and 1/18 in her previous 3 T20Is. Given the form she is in, she’ll be banked upon to lead the wickets tally.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at the Zayed Cricket Stadium provides a well-balanced center wicket, promising a gripping contest between the bat and the ball. The same is evident from the average score in the 130s, and bowlers, especially spinners, benefit from the assistance off the pitch.
Weather:
With moderate winds, humidity at 45%, and the temperature forecasted to hover around 32°C, the conditions are pleasant for a complete game of cricket. The overhead conditions are expected to be mostly sunny with minimal chances of rain.
Fantasy playing XI:
Anushka Sanjeewani, Hasini Perera, Nilakshi de Silva, Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu, Kavisha Dilhari, Immaculate Nakisuyi, Rita Musamali, Achini Kulasuriya, Inoka Ranaweera, Sarah Akiteng
Match details:
Date – May 01, 2024
Time – 4:30 PM IST
Venue – Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on FanCode and ICC TV.