Unbeaten England will face winless Scotland in match no. 17 of the ongoing 9th edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup. The game is scheduled for the 13th of October 2024, at 3:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST), and will be held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah.
England began their campaign with a 21-run win, defending a modest 118 against Bangladesh, and followed up with a dominant 7-wicket win over South Africa, chasing down 124 with ease. In contrast, Scotland did impress with the ball against Bangladesh and the West Indies but faltered with the bat, and most recently in their match against South Africa, were bowled out for 86 while chasing 166, resulting in an 80-run loss.
Squads:
England women’s cricket team
Heather Knight (C), Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Sophia Dunkley, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alice Capsey, Amy Jones (WK), Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Linsey Smith, Freya Kemp, Dani Gibson, Bess Heath
Scotland women’s cricket team
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:
Heather Knight
The 33-year-old batting all-rounder, from 109 outings, has amassed 2073 runs at an average of 25.28, with a strike rate of 119.68, while also taking 21 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 5.85. While Heather hasn’t been required much in this campaign, she has amassed 335 runs at a career-best average of 41.87 from 14 T20Is this year. She can be banked upon to deliver the goods.
Sophie Ecclestone
The 25-year-old bowling all-rounder, averaging 14.71 and maintaining an economy rate of 5.82, has scalped 128 wickets from 87 T20I outings, while also adding 260 runs, striking at 128.71, from 36 innings. Sophie had a quiet start to this World Cup campaign, returning figures of 0/21 in the season opener; however, she followed up with 2/15 and can be counted on for breakthroughs.
Kathryn Bryce
The 26-year-old all-rounder, from 48 T20Is, has posted 1240 runs at an average of 37.57 and bagged 48 wickets at an economy rate of 4.48, registering bests of 73* and 4/8. Kathryn has struggled for runs in this World Cup campaign, departing cheaply for 11, 25, and 7, while she has been in good rhythm with the ball, bagging two wickets. She should be backed for improved all-round efforts.
Abtaha Maqsood
The 25-year-old leg-spinner, from 55 T20I innings, has picked up 54 wickets, including the best of 3/8, maintaining an economy rate of 5.46. Abtaha, a consistent presence amongst the wickets, has had a rare wicketless patch in this campaign, yet has been economical, producing bowling figures of 0/24 (4), 0/28 (2.4), and 0/30 (4). It is hoped she finds her way back among the wickets, leading the tally.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium provides a well-balanced center wicket, promising a gripping contest between bat and ball. This is evident from the average score in the 120s, and bowlers, especially spinners, benefit from assistance off the wicket.
Weather:
The conditions in Sharjah are expected to be ideal for cricket, with no anticipated rain interruptions and bright sunny skies. The temperature will be around 34°C, with moderate winds and humidity at 52%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Sarah Bryce, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Heather Knight, Maia Bouchier, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Kathryn Bryce, Alice Capsey, Dani Gibson, Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn
Match details:
Date – October 13, 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.
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