The first match of the inaugural edition of the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup will be played between Australia and Bangladesh on January 14 at Willowmoore Park in Benoni, South Africa. The game will begin at 1.30 PM IST (10 AM LOCAL).
Both teams have played a couple of warm-up fixtures ahead of the World Cup. While Australia lost to India and won against South Africa in their warm-up clashes, Bangladesh beat India and South Africa in their warm-up encounters.
Squads
Australia: Chloe Ainsworth, Jade Allen, Charis Bekker, Paris Bowdler, Maggie Clark, Sianna Ginger, Lucy Hamilton, Ella Hayward, Milly Illingworth, Eleanor Larosa, Rhys McKenna, Claire Moore, Kate Pelle, Amy Smith, Ella Wilson
Bangladesh: Disha Biswas (c), Shorna Akter, Rabeya, Marufa Akter, Dilara Akter, Misty Rany Shaha, Reya Akter Shika, Sumaiya Akter, Afia Humaira Anam Prottasha, Mst Unnoti Akter, Mst Dipa Khatun, Leky Chakma, Asrafi Yeasmin Arthy, Jannatul Maoua, Mst Eva
Players to Watch
Ella Hayward:
The right-handed top-order batter of Australia Women’s U19 had a good outing in her last warm-up match against South Africa Women’s U19. She scored an unbeaten 34 off 30, including five boundaries. She will hold the key to Australia’s batting.
Rhys McKenna:
The right-arm pace sensation of Australia Women’s U19 was the most successful bowler in the previous warm-up game against South Africa Women’s U19. She scalped 7/3 in two overs, coming into bowl as the first change. She is known for her consistency and can hit the right straps at will.
Shorna Akter:
The right-handed middle-order batter of Bangladesh Women’s U19 has had a good time in South Africa so far. She has remained unbeaten in the two warm-up matches. She scored 20 off 21 against South Africa Women’s U19 in the first fixture and followed it up with 78 off 48 against India Women’s U19.
Marufa Akter:
The right-arm speedster of Bangladesh Women’s U19 is a good new ball bowler. She opened the bowling against South Africa Women’s U19 in her first warm-up clash and claimed 13/3 in four overs. She is an aggressive bowler and will be expected to provide early breakthroughs to her team.
Pitch
The venue has hosted a couple of women’s T20Is to date. Both these games were played in 2019. The teams batting second have won both matches here. The highest total scored is 174, and the lowest is 125. Expect a fresh wicket that will offer plenty of runs. A high-scoring contest could be on the cards.
Weather
The weather is expected to be very warm with plenty of sunshine. The maximum temperature attained during the day will be 31 degrees Celsius. There will be a zero percent cloud cover and a one percent chance of rain. The wind will blow from the northeast.
Fantasy Playing XI
Dilara Akter, Claire Moore, Sienna Ginger, Sumaiya Akter, Ella Hayward, Shorna Akter, Marufa Akter, Rhys McKenna, Amy Smith, Disha Biswas, Ella Wilson
Match details
Date: January 14, 2023
Time: 1.30 PM IST (10 AM LOCAL)
Venue: Willowmoore Park, Benoni, South Africa
Live streaming: Fan Code
I am a former cricketer having represented Mumbai University at All India University level. I was a part of MCA probables for the U-19 and U-23 age group. I have been an avid cricket writer for the last five years. Currently I am pursuing my Ph.D from IIT Bombay.