Pakistan need to beat Australia to keep their semi-final hopes alive
The defending champions Australia have been in red hot form winning two of their two matches in this edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Now it’s time for them to take on Pakistan on Friday in Dubai. Unlike Australia, who have been in excellent touch, Pakistan have blown hot and cold. They beat Sri Lanka in their first match but then lost to India in their second. Pakistan would want to win this match against Australia to stand a chance to qualify for the semi-finals.
Head-to-Head
Australia and Pakistan have played 15 T20Is against each other, of which Australia have won 13 and two matches ended in a “no result.” In T20 World Cups, they have met thrice, and Australia have emerged victorious on all occasions.
Squads
Australia: Alyssa Healy (c), Darcie Brown, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (vc), Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham
Pakistan: Fatima Sana (c), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal (subject to fitness), Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan
Players to watch out
Beth Mooney: This left-handed opening batter of Australia has been in good form in this World Cup so far. She has had scores of 43 not out and 40 against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, respectively. She has been giving good starts to Australia with the bat.
Megan Schutt: After scalping three wickets in her previous match against New Zealand, this right-arm speedster of Australia is now the leading wicket-taker in ICC Women’s T20 World Cups. She bowls disciplined lines and lengths and has good in-swingers in her armoury.
Fatima Sana: The captain of Pakistan has been making useful contributions with bat and ball in this World Cup so far. She has scored 43 runs and claimed four wickets in two matches.
Nida Dar: This experienced all-rounder from Pakistan will be expected to deliver with both, bat and ball. In her previous encounter against India, she mustered 28 runs off 34 balls. However, with the ball, she has yet to impress in this World Cup as she has been wicket-less in the two matches.
Weather
The weather is expected to be warm with a temperature of around 31 degrees Celsius. The humidity will be about 53%.
Match details
Date: October 11, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Live streaming: Star Sports Network, Disney + Hotstar