Will Bangladesh spoil South Africa’s party?
After three league matches and two wins, South Africa are ranked second in the Group B points table and have a healthy net run rate of 1.53. However, qualification to the semi-final is not yet guaranteed for the Proteas as the other two contenders, West Indies and England, also have four points in their kitty. Therefore, a win against Bangladesh on Saturday in Dubai, will be paramount for the last year’s runners-up to keep their semi-final hopes alive. On the other hand, Bangladesh have two points in three matches and if they win, they too can join the other three teams on four points. However, they will need a huge win against South Africa to convert their negative net run rate to positive. Even if that happens, their chances to advance to the semi-finals still remain bleak.
Head-to-Head
Bangladesh and South Africa have played 14 T20Is against each other, of which Bangladesh have won two and South Africa have won 11. In T20 World Cups, Bangladesh and South Africa have met twice, and South Africa have won both the matches.
Squads
Bangladesh: Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Rabeya, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Jahanara Alam, Dilara Akter, Taj Nehar, Shathi Rani, Disha Biswas
South Africa: 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
Players to watch out
Nigar Sultana: The captain of Bangladesh top scored in her previous encounter against West Indies. This right-handed batter, batting at number four, mustered 39 runs from 44 balls, including four fours.
Sobhana Mostary: This right-handed batter of Bangladesh has been in good form in this tournament so far. Batting at number three, she has registered 96 runs in three matches at an average of 32.
Laura Wolvaardt: The South African captain has muscled 141 runs in three matches at an average of 71 and strike rate of 117 in this competition so far. This right-handed opening batter is the leading run scorer (as of October 10, 2024) in the tournament.
Nonkululeko Mlaba: This left-arm spinner of South Africa is the top wicket-taker in this tournament so far (as of October 10, 2024) with eight wickets in three matches. She has been disciplined across different phases of the innings.
Weather
Expect a warm weather with a temperature of about 31 degrees Celsius. Humidity will be around 56%.
Match details
Date: October 12, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Live streaming: Star Sports Network, Disney + Hotstar