National teams of South Africa and Zimbabwe will go head-to-head in the first-ever women’s cricket Gold medal match in the African Games. The game is slated for the 13th of March, 2024, at the Achimota Cricket Ground, Accra, at 7:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
While South Africa won 2 and lost 1 of their three league games, Zimbabwe have remained unbeaten in the competition thus far. However, South Africa thumped Uganda to claim their ticket to the final, and Zimbabwe had the better of Nigeria, promising an engaging contest.
Squads:
South Africa – Nobulumko Baneti, Jemma Botha, Annerie Dercksen, Jenna Evans, Gandhi Jafta, Leah Jones, Simone Lourens, Karabo Meso, Seshnie Naidu, Kayla Reyneke, Nondumiso Shangase (C), Miané Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe, Jané Winster, Caitlin Wyngaard
Zimbabwe – Mary-Anne Musonda (C), Sharne Mayers, Josephine Nkomo, Precious Marange, Tashinga Mazvishaya, Nomvelo Sibanda, Loreen Tshuma, Nyasha Gwanzura, Francisca Chipare, Lindokuhle Mabhera, Modester Mupachikwa, Kelly Kudzai Chigora, Dhururu Chiyedza Teresia, Mujaji Pellagia, Ndhlovu Kelis
Players to watch out:
Faye Tunnicliffe
The 25-year-old keeper-batter made a decent impression back in 2018 when she debuted for the senior national team but was dropped after a few games and returned to the team for the African Games. Though she departed for 2 runs in her first outing, she followed up with scores of 29*, 45, and 14, and will be counted on to lead the scoring.
Nondumiso Shangase
The 27-year-old all-rounder debuted for the senior national team in 2019 but has only played 22 international games across formats since. However, she has been in good form this competition, registering figures of 0/8, 5/13, 1/13, and 2/15, while also registering a solid 38 in her most recent batting innings. She will be counted on for the goods, both with bat and ball.
Sharne Mayers
The 31-year-old batter in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), with an average of 32.27, has amassed 710 runs, including the highest of 71*, from 25 outings. Sharne has registered scores of 19, 39, and 5 from her three outings this competition, and it’ll be expected of the seasoned campaigner to convert her starts, contributing significantly.
Ndhlovu Kelis
The 18-year-old all-rounder, from 32 T20I appearances, has accumulated 549 runs and scalped 34 wickets, with respective bests of 58* and 3/12. In this competition, while Ndhlovu has managed only one good outing with the bat, scoring 24, she’s been effective with the ball, returning figures of 1/8, 2/16, 1/19, and 3/12. It’ll be hoped she puts in an all-round effort.
Pitch:
The 22 yards at Achimota Cricket Ground make a well-balanced center wicket, one that caters to both batters and bowlers. The wicket assists both spinners and pacers effectively, while batters too enjoy their time in the middle with an average score in the 120s.
Weather:
Despite cloudy overhead, the chances of rain during match hours are minimal, and a complete game of cricket can be expected. The temperature is forecasted to hover around 30°C, with light winds and humidity at 90%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Modester Mupachikwa, Mary-Anne Musonda, Faye Tunnicliffe, Annerie Dercksen, Nondumiso Shangase, Ndhlovu Kelis, Josephine Nkomo, Kayla Reyneke, Loreen Tshuma, Precious Marange, Seshnie Naidu
Match details:
Date – March 13, 2024
Time – 7:00 PM IST
Venue – Achimota Cricket Ground, Accra
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on FanCode and YouTube.