Fresh off encouraging wins in their season opener, England and South Africa will lock horns in match no. 9 of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, on the 7th of October 2024, at 7:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST). Fantasy XI fans confused about player selections? We’ve sorted the best options based on statistics and form—let us help you!
Fantasy Playing XI:
Amy Jones, Dani Wyatt-Hodge, Laura Wolvaardt, Maia Bouchier, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Alice Capsey, Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Nonkululeko Mlaba
Keeper-batter:
Amy Jones – The 31-year-old middle-order batter has amassed 1527 runs from 89 T20I outings at a strike rate of 121.67, with the highest score of 89. Known for her ability to play impactful cameos lower down the order, Amy has been consistent over the years. In 2022, she scored 222 runs at a strike rate of 115.26 from 13 matches, followed by 231 runs at 139.15 in 2023. This year, she’s added 147 runs at 117.60 and her ability of contributing valuable runs at crucial stages makes her a reliable pick for any Fantasy XI.
Batters:
Dani Wyatt-Hodge
The 33-year-old top-order batter from 140 T20I outings has amassed 2869 runs at a strike rate of 127.56 and also struck 46 wickets from 45 innings at an economy of 5.65. Dani has consistently delivered solid performances over the years, with averages in recent years of 31.50, 26.21, and 27.15, paired with high strike rates. With recent scores of 35 and 41, including a good start in the season opener, she’s in form and is a must-pick for the Fantasy XI.
Laura Wolvaardt
The 25-year-old opening batter has accumulated 1824 runs from 67 T20Is, averaging 36.48 with a strike rate of 115.15. After a stellar 2023 where she scored 586 runs, Laura continued her brilliant run, with 462 runs this year from 12 outings at an average of 46.20. She registered scores of 36, 45, 33, and 29 leading into the World Cup and a fine 59* in the season opener. With her in exceptional form, she is an essential pick in any Fantasy XI.
Maia Bouchier
The 25-year-old top-order batter has scored 561 runs from 29 T20I innings, at an average of 23.37 and a strike rate of 121.95, with the highest of 91. This year has been her best so far, scoring 356 runs from 13 outings at an average of 29.66. In this World Cup campaign, she’s shown consistency with starts of 17, 12, and 23. Given her form and growing reliability, she’s a dependable pick for the Fantasy XI.
All-rounders:
Nat Sciver-Brunt
The 32-year-old all-rounder has played 119 T20Is, amassing 2515 runs at a strike rate of 117.35, and claiming 87 wickets from 109 innings with an economy rate of 6.51. Fresh off a successful run in The Hundred 2024, where she accumulated 303 runs and took 6 wickets, Nat’s World Cup campaign has seen her produce bowling figures of 1/23 and 1/29, despite modest batting scores of 12, 31, and 2. As one of the most reliable all-rounders in world cricket, she remains a must-have for any Fantasy XI.
Marizanne Kapp
The 34-year-old all-rounder has 1532 runs and 85 wickets from 108 T20Is, with best figures of 75 and 4/6. Kapp is in stellar form this year, having scored 309 runs at a strike rate of 139.81 and taken 8 wickets. She contributed significantly to the World Cup opener with figures of 2/14, though she wasn’t needed with the bat. Kapp’s dual abilities make her a certain and dependable pick for any XI.
Chloe Tryon
The 30-year-old all-rounder has scored 1190 runs from 82 T20I outings, at a strike rate of 136.78, alongside 36 wickets with best figures of 4/15. While her recent bowling form has been quiet with just one wicket in four matches, her batting contributions of 15* and 30* prove her all-rounder capabilities. Her ability to deliver with both bat and ball makes her a strong contender for the Fantasy XI.
Alice Capsey
The 20-year-old all-rounder has accumulated 691 runs from 33 T20Is, and though her bowling opportunities have been limited, she is a talented and fearless batter. Capsey’s notable run this year, coupled with a composed 40 in the warmup against Australia, showcases her potential. Despite cheaply departing for 9 in the season opener, she remains a good choice in the XI.
Bowlers:
Sophie Ecclestone
The 25-year-old left-arm off-spinner has been a standout in T20Is, with 126 wickets from 86 outings at an average of 14.82 and an economy of 5.84. Though her World Cup campaign started on a quieter note with 0/21 in the opener and 1/39 in a warm-up game, Ecclestone’s consistency and wicket-taking ability are well known. With the potential to also contribute with the bat, she remains a rewarding pick for any Fantasy XI.
Charlie Dean
The 23-year-old bowling all-rounder has claimed 38 wickets from 29 T20Is, including best figures of 4/19, and strikes at 112.06 with the bat. Dean has carried her form from The Hundred into the World Cup, with strong performances in both warmup games (1/16 and 1/16) and a solid start in the opener with 2/22. Her reliability makes her a sure pick for any XI.
Nonkululeko Mlaba
The 24-year-old left-arm off-spinner has taken 42 wickets from 51 T20I innings, with an economy rate of 6.32. After a few modest performances in the warmup games, Mlaba returned to form with 4/29 in the World Cup opener against West Indies. With her craftiness on display, Mlaba looks to continue her momentum, making her a strong addition to the Fantasy XI.
For more on the upcoming game, click here for the game preview and here for broadcast details.
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