Hosts Bangladesh will go up against tournament debutants Scotland in the curtain-raiser of the 2024 Women’s Twenty20 (T20) World Cup at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah. The game gets underway at 3:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on October 3, 2024.
In the lead-up to the tournament, Bangladesh suffered a defeat to Sri Lanka in their first warm-up but bounced back with a convincing win against Pakistan. Meanwhile, Scotland registered a commanding win over Pakistan in their first warm-up and went down fighting against Sri Lanka in their second.
Squads:
Bangladesh Women –
Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Jahanara Alam, Dilara Akter, Taj Nehar, Shathi Rani, Disha Biswas
Scotland Women –
Kathryn Bryce (C), Sarah Bryce, Lorna Jack-Brown, Abbi Aitken-Drummond, Abtaha Maqsood, Saskia Horley, Chloe Abel, Priyanaz Chatterji, Megan McColl, Darcey Carter, Ailsa Lister, Hannah Rainey, Rachel Slater, Katherine Fraser, Olivia Bell
Players to watch out:
Nigar Sultana Joty –
The 27-year-old keeper-batter has amassed 1,944 runs from 93 T20I innings, at an average of 27.00, a strike rate of 90.16, and registered the highest score of 113*. Nigar has been in notable form of late, registering scores of 48*, 62*, and 32 in her most recent campaign, Asia Cup, and carrying the momentum into this tournament, she registered scores of 30* and 18 in the warm-up games. She can be relied upon to lead the scoring.
Nahida Akter –
The 24-year-old left-arm off-spinner, averaging 16.79 and maintaining an economy rate of 5.72, has claimed 99 wickets from 86 T20Is and registered the best of 5/8. While Nahida kept a check on the economy rate, she didn’t claim many wickets in her most recent campaign. In the warm-up games, she returned figures of 1/14 (3) and 1/23 (4), and she can be relied upon for breakthroughs, spearheading the bowling attack.
Kathryn Bryce –
The 26-year-old all-rounder, in T20Is, has posted 1,197 runs from 43 innings, at an average of 39.90, a strike rate of 104.08, and has scalped 46 wickets from 44 outings, at an average of 13.47 and an economy rate of 4.30. Kathryn has been in outstanding form with both bat and ball of late, and though she departed for 18 and 0 in the warm-up games, her bowling returns read 3/20 and 1/6. She can be counted on for all-round efforts.
Rachel Slater –
The 22-year-old left-arm pacer has picked up 16 wickets from 19 T20I innings, with an economy rate of 6.79, and produced the best of 5/17, while also being handy with the bat. Rachel has had a consistent run lately, featuring in the English domestic season, and in the warm-up games, she produced figures of 1/18 (3) and 1/22 (4). It is hoped she capitalizes on the start she has had, leading the wickets tally for her side.
Pitch:
The center wicket at Sharjah Cricket Stadium offers a balanced playing surface that slightly favors the bowlers. While it is conducive to batting, the average score in the 130s suggests the assistance that bowlers, particularly pacers, can expect from the pitch.
Weather:
The conditions in Sharjah are forecast to be bright and pleasant for cricket, with clear sunny skies. The temperature is expected to range in the mid-30s (°C), with moderate winds and humidity of 58%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Nigar Sultana Joty, Sarah Bryce, Murshida Khatun, Saskia Horley, Kathryn Bryce, Shorna Akter, Katherine Fraser, Nahida Akter, Rachel Slater, Rabeya Khan, Abtaha Maqsood
Match details:
Date – October 3, 2024
Time – 3:30 PM IST
Venue – Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Broadcast – In India, the game will be telecast by the Star Sports Network and will be available for live streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
Click here for the full list of broadcasters for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup.