The last and 20th league game of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup will feature a face-off between two former champions, England and West Indies, both eyeing a spot in the knockouts. The game is scheduled for 7:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 15th of October 2024, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.
In the 2024 T20 World Cup, England secured an ordinary 21-run win over Bangladesh in their season opener, successfully defending their total of 118. They then registered a comprehensive win, defeating South Africa by 7 wickets while chasing down 124, and a crushing 10-wicket win against Scotland, chasing 109. Meanwhile, the West Indies faced a tough start, losing their season opener to South Africa by 10 wickets while defending 118. However, in a quick turnaround, they’ve managed two commanding wins; a 6-wicket victory over Scotland in a chase of 99, followed by an 8-wicket win against Bangladesh, successfully chasing down 103.
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
West Indies women’s cricket team
Hayley Matthews (C), Shemaine Campbelle, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Ashmini Munisar, Afy Fletcher, Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Chedean Nation, Qiana Joseph, Zaida James, Karishma Ramharack, Mandy Mangru, Nerissa Crafton
Players to watch out:
Maia Bouchier
The 25-year-old top-order batter, from 31 T20I innings, has accumulated 631 runs at an average of 25.24, a strike rate of 122.76, and registered the highest score of 91. Maia has had a good year in international cricket so far, and in this campaign, she followed up her string of starts from the warm-up games and the first couple of league games with a breezy 62* in her most recent outing. She can be counted on for another big knock.
Lauren Bell
The 23-year-old pacer, from 24 T20I outings, has picked up 33 wickets, including the best of 4/12, maintaining an economy rate of 6.80. Lauren was outstanding leading up to the World Cup, picking 14 wickets from 9 innings, and carrying the momentum into this campaign, registering figures of 2/29 and 1/13 in the warm-up games, followed by 1/16 in her only league outing. She can be relied upon for key breakthroughs.
Stafanie Taylor
The 33-year-old all-rounder in T20Is, from 121 outings, has amassed 3,413 runs at an average of 35.55, and from 87 bowling innings, has claimed 98 wickets at an economy rate of 5.66, registering bests of 90 and 4/12. Stafanie has stepped up with important runs for the Windies lately, including in this tournament, registering scores of 44* and 27*. The seasoned batter can be relied upon to step up with another big score, leading the scoring.
Aaliyah Alleyne
The 29-year-old pacer, from 36 T20I outings, has claimed 15 wickets at an economy rate of 7.69, while also adding 314 runs from 35 innings. Aaliyah hasn’t taken many wickets in T20Is this year; however, in a warm-up game, she impressed with a return of 2/24 (3) against Australia. In the league games, she returned figures of 0/11 (2), 0/10 (2), and 0/5 (1), and it is hoped she steps up with improved efforts, producing the goods.
Pitch:
The wicket at Dubai International Cricket Stadium provides a certain degree of assistance to the batters. Although it is a batting-friendly surface, the average score remains in the 130s, indicating that bowlers, both spinners and pacers, have opportunities to exploit.
Weather:
Dubai promises ideal conditions for a complete game of cricket, with no expected rain and a clear overhead. The temperature is forecasted to hover around 32°C, with moderate winds and humidity at 47%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Amy Jones, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Maia Bouchier, Sophia Dunkley, Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Deandra Dottin, Dani Gibson, Sophie Ecclestone, Afy Fletcher, Charlie Dean
Match details:
Date – October 15, 2024
Time – 7:30 PM IST
Venue – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
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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