Defending champions Australia are set to meet arch-rivals New Zealand in match no. 10 of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, following their winning starts to this campaign. The match gets underway at 7:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 8th of October 2024.
Australia put on a commanding display against Sri Lanka, restricting them to 93/7 and comfortably chasing the target with 6 wickets in hand and 34 balls to spare, courtesy of standout performances from Beth Mooney (43*) and Megan Schutt (3/12). Meanwhile, New Zealand’s top-order trio of Suzie Bates (27), Georgia Plimmer (34), and skipper Sophie Devine (57*) powered their side to a competitive total of 160/4. Their bowlers, led by Rosemary Mair (4/19), Lea Tahuhu (3/15), and Eden Carson (2/34), produced breakthroughs to secure a dominant 58-run win over India.
Squads:
Australia Women’s Cricket Team
Alyssa Healy (C), Tahlia McGrath, Darcie Brown, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham
New Zealand Women’s Cricket Team
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
Players to watch out:
Alyssa Healy
The 34-year-old keeper-batter has amassed 2,991 runs from 141 T20I innings, with an average of 25.13 and a strike rate of 129.48, registering the highest score of 148*. In her previous four T20Is, three of which were against New Zealand, Alyssa scored 4, 27, 38, and 17. The seasoned batter can be relied upon to build on these scores with a good knock, leading the scoring.
Georgia Wareham
The 25-year-old leg-spinner has scalped 60 wickets from 55 T20I outings, including the best of 3/12, while maintaining an economy rate of 6.11, and has also added 241 runs from 20 innings, striking at 146.06. In the recent New Zealand series, Georgia took 4 wickets from 3 outings and registered twin scores of 26. Her returns from the season opener read 1/21 and she can be counted on to deliver the goods.
Suzie Bates
The 37-year-old all-rounder has racked up 4,461 runs from 163 T20I outings at an average of 29.54, and she has bagged 58 wickets from 88 innings at an economy rate of 6.59, with best figures of 124* and 4/26. Suzie has been among the runs lately, registering scores of 33, 34, and 19 in the Australia series, and she followed up with 27 in the season opener. She can be banked upon for runs.
Eden Carson
The 23-year-old off-spinner has secured 32 wickets from 25 T20I outings at an average of 16.09 and an economy rate of 6.35, with best figures of 3/18. Eden has emerged as a reliable spinner for New Zealand, claiming 3 wickets from 2 outings against Australia, 3 wickets in 2 warm-up games, and securing two crucial wickets in the season opener. She will be trusted for breakthroughs.
Pitch:
The Sharjah center wicket heavily favors the spinners, creating ideal conditions for bowling, as evident from the average score in the 120s. However, batters with good tactical skills and shot selection can still score runs effectively.
Weather:
The conditions are ideal for a game of cricket in Sharjah, with clear skies and a minimal chance of rain. The temperature is expected to hover around 33°C, with moderate winds and 49% humidity.
Fantasy playing XI:
Beth Mooney, Alyssa Healy, Suzie Bates, Tahlia McGrath, Melie Kerr, Ash Gardner, Sophie Devine, Georgia Wareham, Megan Schutt, Lea Tahuhu, Sophie Molineux
Match details:
Date – October 8, 2024
Time – 7:30 PM IST
Venue – Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Broadcast – In India, the game will be telecasted 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.
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