With Australia securing the 3-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series over hosts Bangladesh with back-to-back dominant wins, the hosts will eye to avoid another clean sweep in this bilateral series, in the 3rd T20I, scheduled for the 4th of April, 2024. Live action commences at 11:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST) at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur.
Squads:
Bangladesh – Nigar Sultana (C, WK), Nahida Akter (VC), Murshida Khatun, Sobhana Mostary, Sumaya Akter, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Farzana Akter Lisa, Fariha Islam Trisna, Shorifa Khatun, Dilara Akter Dola
Australia – Alyssa Healy (C, WK), Tahlia McGrath (VC), Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Tayla Vlaeminck, Grace Harris
Players to watch out:
Murshida Khatun
The 24-year-old opening batter, from 40 T20I appearances, has accumulated 706 runs, including the highest of 77*. Murshida hasn’t scored many runs this series, even in the T20Is, departing cheaply for scores of 20 and 8 in the first couple. It’ll be hoped that she converts these starts, registering a substantial score.
Rabeya Khan
The 19-year-old leg-spinner, from 18 T20I innings, has picked up 17 wickets, including the best of 4/8, maintaining an economy rate of 4.88, while also being handy with the bat. Rabeya hasn’t found much success in the 2 T20Is thus far, returning figures of 0/19 (2) and 0/23 (3), but can be trusted to stage a turnaround.
Ashleigh Gardner
The 26-year-old all-rounder in T20Is, from 67 innings, has amassed 1313 runs at a strike rate of 130.64, while from 75 bowling outings, has struck 67 wickets. When required with the bat, Ashleigh has chipped in, while also producing figures of 0/21 and 3/17 in the T20Is. She’ll be banked upon for the goods.
Georgia Wareham
The 24-year-old all-rounder, striking at 157.27, has added 173 runs to the tally from 15 innings and bagged 53 wickets from 50 T20Is. Georgia has been in outstanding form of late, and in the T20Is has registered bowling figures of 1/18 and 1/24, while also scoring a 57. She can be counted on for an all-rounder effort.
Pitch:
The center wicket at Shere Bangla National Stadium provides a well-balanced playing surface, slightly favoring the bowlers. Despite being good for batting, the average score in the 120s suggests that it has enough in it for bowlers, especially spinners.
Weather:
It’ll be a bright sunny day at Mirpur with the temperature expected to hover around 36°C, with light winds, and a humidity level of 56%. With a clear forecast, we are in for a complete game of cricket.
Fantasy playing XI:
Nigar Sultana, Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, Grace Harris, Ashleigh Gardner, Ellyse Perry, Fahima Khatun, Annabel Sutherland, Nahida Akter, Sophie Molineux, Georgia Wareham
Match details:
Date – April 04, 2024
Time – 11:30 AM IST
Venue – Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on FanCode and the Bangladesh Cricket Board YouTube channel.