Hong Kong and Tanzania will go head-to-head in the Final of the ongoing 2023 Hong Kong Women’s Twenty20 (T20) Quadrangular series. The match is scheduled for the 19th of November, 2023, at Hong Kong Cricket Club, Wong Nai Chung Gap, and commences at 11:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Hong Kong – Kary Chan (C), Natasha Miles (VC), Alison Siu, Betty Chan, Dorothea Chan, Emma Lai, Elysa Hubbard, Iqra Sahar, Lemon Cheung, Mariko Hill, Maryam Bibi, Mya Gardner, Ruchitha Venkatesh, Shanzeen Shadzad
Tanzania – Hudaa Omary, Monica Iddi, Saum Mtae, Aisha Mohamed, Saum Borakambi, Neema Pius, Fatuma Kibasu (C), Mwanamvua Ushanga, Sheila Kizito, Shufaa Mohamed, Mwajabu Salumu, Saumu Hussen, Sophia Frank, Perice Kamunya
Players to watch out:
Kary Chan
The 26-year-old all-rounder in T20 Internationals (T20Is), in 55 bowling innings, has scalped 71 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 4.44, and has registered the best of 5/4. With the bat, Kary has amassed 797 runs, including the highest of 70, from 47 outings. Kary hasn’t been required with the bat but has been outstanding with the ball this series, producing figures of 5/10, 1/3, and 4/16.
Betty Chan
The 34-year-old all-rounder, in 56 T20I outings, has picked up 71 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 4.02, and her best bowling figures stand at 4/13. Betty has picked up just 1 wicket in a couple of games this series, finishing with figures of 0/14 and 1/16 but has been economical. It’ll be expected of the seasoned campaigner to step up if the team finds themselves searching for wickets.
Saum Mtae
The 21-year-old batter has raced to 611 T20I runs from 29 outings, striking at 116.60, and with her off-spin, has picked up 6 wickets. Following a stellar Tanzania Women’s Premier League (TWPL) campaign, Saum has carried forward her form into this series, registering batting scores of 16, 36, and 27. Saum’s form has peaked at the right time, she’s striking the ball aggressively and will be counted on to deliver again.
Neema Pius
The 21-year-old all-rounder, in 21 T20I outings, has posted 312 runs, including the highest of 65, and also has 5 wickets to her name. Neema regained her form in the inaugural TWPL earlier this year, and continuing on the momentum, she’s bagged 4 wickets in 3 games, returning figures of 2/10, 2/6, and 0/13. She’s been among the runs as well, adding 17 and 34* to the team’s tally in her recent couple of outings. She’ll be relied upon for an all-round effort.
Pitch:
The Hong Kong Cricket Club is a low-scoring venue that typically favors bowlers, especially pacers. The pitch has a neutral character but the average score at this venue is in the 90s, making it a challenging ground for batters.
Weather:
The conditions at Hong Kong Cricket Club are expected to be pleasant for the game, with clear bright skies and a minimal chance of rain. The temperature is forecasted to be around 19°C, with light winds and humidity at 54%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Lemon Cheung, Saum Mtae, Natasha Miles, Monica Iddi, Mariko Hill, Kary Chan, Perice Kamunya, Neema Pius, Sophia Frank, Iqra Sahar, Ruchitha Venkatesh
Match details:
Date – November 19, 2023
Time – 11:30 AM IST
Venue – Hong Kong Cricket Club, Wong Nai Chung Gap
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on FanCode and Cricket Hong Kong’s Facebook page.