Eying their maiden T20 World Cup title, the national women’s teams of South Africa and New Zealand will take center stage at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, for the Final of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup on the 20th of October 2024, at 7:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Both South Africa and New Zealand advanced to the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup with 3 wins from 4 games. In the semi-finals, South Africa secured a commanding 8-wicket win, chasing down 134 against the six-time and defending champions Australia, while New Zealand registered an 8-run win over the 2016 champions West Indies, successfully defending their total of 128.
Squads:
South Africa women’s cricket team
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Suné Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon
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:
Laura Wolvaardt
The 25-year-old opening batter has amassed 1,955 runs from 71 T20I innings, at an average of 36.20, a strike rate of 115.06, and registered the highest score of 102. Laura was among the runs leading up to the World Cup and in this campaign has registered consecutive scores of 59*, 42, 40, 7, and 42. She can be relied upon for another match-winning knock, extending this consistent run.
Nonkululeko Mlaba
The 24-year-old left-arm off-spinner has struck 48 wickets from 55 T20I innings, including the best of 4/29, maintaining an economy rate of 6.18. Nonkululeko put behind her poor form, stepping up her efforts and producing bowling figures of 4/29, 1/22, 3/12, 1/11, and 1/31 in this campaign. The team will count on her to carry this momentum into the must-win match, producing breakthroughs.
Suzie Bates
The 37-year-old all-rounder in T20Is has racked up 4,552 runs from 167 outings, at an average of 29.36, and a strike rate of 108.43, while taking 59 wickets from 89 T20Is at an economy rate of 6.58, with bests of 124* and 4/26. Suzie has been in notable form lately and has registered scores of 27, 20, 17, 28, and 26 in this campaign while also taking a wicket. She can be relied upon for the goods.
Lea Tahuhu
The 34-year-old pacer has scalped 93 wickets from 94 T20I innings, at an economy rate of 6.33, and recorded the best of 4/6, while also being more than handy with the bat on a few occasions. Lea has extended her fine form into this competition, producing figures of 3/15, 0/22, 0/15, 1/8, and 1/33, being both economical and effective. She’ll be backed to deliver her best in this game.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium provides a balanced playing surface, one that caters to both batters and bowlers. While it favors batters, the average score in the 130s indicates the assistance that bowlers, especially spinners, can expect.
Weather:
With moderate winds, humidity at 71%, and the temperature expected to hover around 32°C, the conditions are pleasant for cricket in Dubai. The forecast predicts clear skies and a minimal chance of rain.
Fantasy playing XI:
Izzy Gaze, Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Suzie Bates, Marizanne Kapp, Melie Kerr, Sophie Devine, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Eden Carson, Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu
Match details:
Date – October 20, 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.
Click here for the full list of broadcasters for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup.
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