The second semi-final of the inaugural edition of the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup will be played between the Ashes rivals Australia and England on January 27 at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom, South Africa. The game will begin at 5.15 PM IST (1.45 PM LOCAL).
Both teams enter the semi-finals having won their two Super Six matches.
Players to Watch
Kate Pelle:
The right-handed opening batter of Australia Women’s U19 has been the most successful batter for her side, with 130 runs in five matches. She registered the best score of 51, which came against UAE Women’s U19 in her previous outing. She can also keep wickets and did so in the first three games.
Maggie Clark:
The right-arm speedster of Australia Women’s U19 has been the pick of the bowlers for her side in this tournament. She has accounted for nine wickets in four fixtures, including the best of 20/3. She is the second-highest wicket-taker in the competition and bowls at an economy of under four, and a half runs per over.
Grace Scrivens:
The captain of England Women’s U19 is leading from the front with an impressive 269 runs in her kitty. She is the leading run-getter in the competition and has three half-centuries in five outings. The left-handed opening batter has a healthy strike rate of 138 and averages 54.
Sophia Smale:
The wily left-arm spinner of England Women’s U19 has claimed eight wickets in four matches so far in this competition, including the best of 11/3. She has been one of the most economical bowlers giving away just 3.3 runs per over. She is also the top wicket-taker for her side.
Pitch
It will be the 14th game of the competition at this venue, with the 13th match being played early in the day. Out of the 12 fixtures played here till January 26, the teams batting first and second have won six each. The average first innings score is 160, and the average second innings score is 84. The wicket has undergone a lot of wear and tear over the last two weeks. Therefore, a sluggish surface could be expected. However, a chance of a high-scoring contest cannot be ruled out, with both teams being batting powerhouses.
Weather
The weather is expected to see partial sunshine with a thunderstorm in spots in the afternoon. The maximum temperature attained during the day will be 32 degrees Celsius. There will be a 42 percent cloud cover and a 40 percent chance of rain. The wind will blow from the west-southwest.
Fantasy Playing XI
Kate Pelle, Seren Smale, Liberty Heap, Niamh Holland, Claire Moore, Sienna Ginger, Grace Scrivens, Ella Hayward, Amy Smith, Maggie Clark, Sophia Smale
Match details
Date: January 27, 2023
Time: 5.15 PM IST (1.45 PM LOCAL)
Venue: Senwes Park, Potchefstroom, South Africa
Live streaming: Fan Code
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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.
