The 2016 champions, West Indies, and two-time runners-up, New Zealand (2009 & 2010), are set to face off in Semi-Final 2 of the 9th edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The game is scheduled for 7:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 18th of October 2024.
West Indies opened their 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup campaign with a heavy 10-wicket defeat to South Africa, failing to defend their total of 118. However, they bounced back with three consecutive wins—chasing 99 to beat Scotland by 6 wickets, 103 to beat Bangladesh by 8 wickets, and 141 to beat England by 6 wickets. Meanwhile, New Zealand kicked off with a 58-run win over India, defending 160, but stumbled against Australia, bowled out for 88 while chasing 148, losing by 60 runs. They recovered with an 8-wicket win over Sri Lanka, chasing 115, and secured their spot in the knockouts with a commanding 54-run win against Pakistan, bowling them out for 56 while defending 110.
Squads:
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
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:
Hayley Matthews
The 26-year-old all-rounder has amassed 2,441 runs from 100 T20Is, at an average of 25.69 and a strike rate of 122.90, while also picking up 103 wickets from 93 innings, maintaining an economy rate of 5.88. Hayley has had a notable campaign thus far; she built on starts of 10 and 8 with scores of 34 and 50 in her most recent outing, alongside bowling returns of 0/22, 1/21, 1/19, and 2/35. She can be counted on for the goods.
Karishma Ramharack
The 29-year-old off-spinner has taken 30 wickets from 36 T20Is, including the best of 4/15, while maintaining an economy rate of 6.47. Karishma has been among the wickets this year and has had a notable campaign thus far in the World Cup, returning figures of 0/22, 1/24, 4/17, and 0/9. She is a seasoned spinner and can be relied upon to capitalize on this momentum, providing match-winning figures and leading the tally.
Sophie Devine
The 35-year-old all-rounder has racked up 3,373 runs from 137 T20I outings, at an average of 28.58 and a strike rate of 121.24, and from 120 innings, she has taken 117 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 6.58. Sophie hadn’t been anywhere near her best leading up to the World Cup; however, in the league games, she registered scores of 57*, 7, 13*, and 19 while not bowling much. She can be banked upon for runs.
Eden Carson
The 23-year-old off-spinner has picked up 35 wickets from 28 T20I innings, at an average of 6.27 and an economy rate of 6.27, with the best of 3/18. Eden has capitalized on her form in the T20 World Cup league games, producing bowling figures of 2/34, 0/36, 1/19, and 2/7. The emerging spinner has been in promising form and can be relied upon for breakthroughs, carrying the momentum into the knockouts.
Pitch:
The center wicket at Sharjah Cricket Stadium poses challenges for batters due to its spin-friendly nature, leading to an average score in the 130s. However, this healthy average score also indicates conducive conditions for scoring runs, keeping the batters in the game.
Weather:
It will be a pleasant day for cricket in Sharjah, with no expected rain interruptions and clear skies. The temperature will be around 32°C, with moderate winds and 54% humidity.
Fantasy playing XI:
Shemaine Campbelle, Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Hayley Matthews, Melie Kerr, Deandra Dottin, Sophie Devine, Afy Fletcher, Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson
Match details:
Date – October 18, 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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