In match no. 3 of the ongoing warm-up series ahead of the Twenty20 (T20) World Cup, New Zealand and South Africa will take on each other at The Sevens Stadium, Dubai. The game is scheduled for the 29th of September 2024, at 7:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
New Zealand – Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu
South Africa – Laura Wolvaardt (C), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Suné Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon
Players to watch out:
Maddy Green
The 31-year-old middle-order batter has accumulated 1,074 runs from 84 T20I innings, including the highest score of 49*. Maddy had notable success of late, and in a recent T20 International (T20I) series against New Zealand, she managed scores of 35, 21, and 12*. She is a seasoned batter, and it is hoped that she builds on this momentum, stepping up with big scores.
Fran Jonas
The 20-year-old left-arm off-spinner has secured 27 wickets from 34 T20I innings, including the best of 4/22, while maintaining an economy rate of 5.92. Fran has had some success in recent campaigns, securing 6 wickets from four outings against England and a couple from three outings against Australia. She can be counted on for breakthroughs.
Tazmin Brits
The 33-year-old opening batter has amassed 1,385 runs from 54 T20I innings, at an average of 31.47 and a strike rate of 106.21, with the highest score of 81. Tazmin has had an impressive run of late, notching up three fifties in her previous six innings, with scores of 81 and 52 against India and a 56* against Pakistan. She can be relied upon for the runs.
Seshnie Naidu
The 18-year-old leg-spinner, on debut in international cricket, claimed a wicket against Pakistan, finishing with figures of 1/25 (3). However, in the subsequent games, she finished with figures of 0/27 (2) and 0/16 (1). Earlier this year, in the Africa Cup, Seshnie impressed with 5 wickets from 4 games, with an economy rate of 3.92, and should be backed to find her rhythm.
Pitch:
The Sevens Stadium features an evenly balanced center strip that slightly favors the batters. While it is conducive to batting, the average score in the 140s suggests that bowlers, particularly pacers, can expect assistance off the wicket.
Weather:
With moderate winds, humidity at 53%, and the temperature expected to be around 34°C, the conditions are favorable, with no rain on the radar. The overhead will be clear, promising a complete game of cricket.
Fantasy playing XI:
Maddy Green, Laura Wolvaardt, Suzie Bates, Suné Luus, Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Melie Kerr, Sophie Devine, Chloé Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Lea Tahuhu
Match details:
Date – September 29, 2024
Time – 7:30 PM IST
Venue – The Sevens Stadium, Dubai
Broadcast – Access live scores on the ICC match portal.