Match no. 15 of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup will feature New Zealand face off against Sri Lanka at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, on the 12th of October 2024, at 3:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
In Group A, Sri Lanka continues to struggle after suffering a 31-run defeat to Pakistan, followed by back-to-back losses to Australia by 6 wickets and to India by 82 runs, leaving them at the bottom of the table in 5th place. On the other hand, New Zealand had a strong start, winning their season opener against India by 58 runs; however, their campaign faltered with a 60-run loss to Australia, placing them 4th on the points table with two points.
Squads:
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
Sri Lanka women’s cricket team
Chamari Athapaththu (C), Anushka Sanjeewani, Harshitha Madhavi, Nilakshika de Silva, Inoka Ranaweera, Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, Sachini Nisansala, Vishmi Gunaratne, Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Shashini Gimhani, Ama Kanchana
Players to watch out:
Georgia Plimmer
The 20-year-old opening batter, from 26 T20I innings, has amassed 284 runs, with the highest score of 53. Recently, against Australia, Georgia followed up her scores of 11 and 9 with a solid 53. She carried that momentum into this World Cup campaign, scoring a fine 34 in their season opener. Although she departed for 4 in the following game, she is expected to capitalize on her recent return to form.
Rosemary Mair
The 25-year-old pacer, from 25 T20I innings, has picked up 24 wickets at an economy rate of 6.62, with the best of 4/19, and can also be handy with the bat. On her return from injury, Rosemary posted figures of 0/19 (4) against Australia in a recent bilateral and 2/22 in a warm-up game. Continuing this form into the league games she produced figures of 4/19 and 2/22 and can be relied upon for breakthroughs.
Chamari Athapaththu
The 34-year-old all-rounder, in T20Is from 140 outings, has amassed 3336 runs at a strike rate of 110.35 and, from 84 innings, has claimed 60 wickets at an economy rate of 6.64, registering bests of 119* and 4/29. Chamari, who had an extraordinary run in the past 18 months, has experienced a dip in form in this World Cup campaign, with scores of 6, 3, and 1, while claiming 4 wickets. It’ll be hoped she steps up with improved efforts.
Inoshi Priyadharshani
The 37-year-old right-arm off-spinner, from 35 T20I innings, has scalped 36 wickets, including the best of 4/10, while maintaining an economy rate of 5.90. Inoshi had a successful run leading up to the World Cup, and extended that form in the warm-up games, recording figures of 2/11 and 1/3. However, her returns from the league games have been 0/16 (2), 0/13 (2), and 0/11 (2). She should be backed to find her rhythm and lead the wickets tally.
Pitch:
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium features a well-balanced wicket that caters to both batters and bowlers. The center strip provides enough assistance to spinners, resulting in an average score around the 120s, indicating that it may not be a high-scoring contest.
Weather:
The temperature is expected to hover around 34°C, with minimal chances of rain. The overhead conditions will be sunny, with moderate winds expected, and 51% humidity.
Fantasy playing XI:
Anushka Sanjeewani, Suzie Bates, Harshitha Madhavi, Georgia Plimmer, Melie Kerr, Chamari Athapaththu, Sophie Devine, Kavisha Dilhari, Lea Tahuhu, Sugandika Kumari, Rosemary Mair
Match details:
Date – October 12, 2024
Time – 3:30 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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