The 15th match of the ICC Women’s World T20 2023 will be played between South Africa and Australia on February 18 at St. George’s Park in Gqeberha. The game will begin at 10.30 PM IST (7 PM LOCAL).
South Africa will play their third match in the tournament, having won one and lost one, Australia, on the other hand, will play their fourth, having won their previous three fixtures.
Head-to-Head
South Africa and Australia have played five T20Is against each other, and Australia have won all.
Squads
South Africa: Sune Luus (c), Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Lara Goodall, Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Shabnim Ismail, Tazmin Brits, Masabata Klaas, Laura Wolvaardt, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Anneke Bosch, Delmi Tucker
Australia: Meg Lanning (c), Alyssa Healy (vc), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham
Players to watch
Megan Schutt:
The right-arm pace sensation of Australia wreaked havoc with the ball in her last appearance against Sri Lanka. Coming into bowl as the first change, she scalped 4/24 in four overs, including a triple strike in the 20th over. She was very effective in the death overs.
Alyssa Healy:
The wicket-keeper and right-handed opening batter of Australia won the player of the match award in the last game against Sri Lanka. She muscled an unbeaten 54 off 43, including six boundaries and a six. She also accounted for three dismissals behind the stumps.
Chloe Tryon:
The star all-rounder of South Africa bagged the player of the match award in the last encounter against New Zealand. The right-handed middle-order batter smashed 40 off 34, including six hits to the fence. She also claimed 2/12 in three overs, bowling left-arm spin.
Nonkululeko Mlaba:
The wily left-arm spinner of South Africa was the most successful bowler for her side in the last fixture against New Zealand. She opened the bowling and picked 3/10 in four overs. She struck in the very first over and was the second-most economical bowler for her team.
Pitch
It will be the tournament’s fourth match at the venue, with the third being played early in the day. The teams batting second have won the last two games played here till February 17. The wicket is expected to provide a thrilling battle between bat and ball. However, a high chance of precipitation could play a spoilsport.
Weather
The weather is expected to see showers bringing heavy rainfall in the morning. The maximum temperature attained during the day will be 24 degrees Celsius. There will be a 99 percent cloud cover and a 90 percent chance of rain. The wind will blow from the south.
Fantasy Playing XI
Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, Meg Lanning, Sune Luus, Ashleigh Gardner, Chloe Tryon, Ellyse Perry, Marizanne Kapp, Megan Schutt, Shabnim Ismail, Nonkululeko Mlaba
Match details
Date: February 18, 2023
Time: 10.30 PM IST (7 PM LOCAL)
Venue: St. George’s Park, Gqeberha
Live streaming: Star Sports Network
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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.