Can South Africa win their first-ever WT20 WC match against West Indies?

Though South Africa and West Indies will be playing their first match of this edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on October 4 in Dubai, it could likely be a knockout game for the two teams. Assuming that England, a strong favourite, will make its way into the knockouts unless there is an upset in Group B, only one of South Africa, finalist of the 2023 T20 World Cup or West Indies, champions of the 2016 T20 World Cup, can advance to the semi-finals.

 

Head-to-Head

South Africa and West Indies have played 22 T20Is against each other, of which South Africa have won seven and West Indies have won 14. In women’s T20 World Cups, West Indies dominate with 4-0 margin.

 

 

Squads

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

West Indies: Hayley Matthews (c), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Shemaine Campbelle, Ashmini Munisar, Afy Fletcher, Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Chedean Nation, Qiana Joseph, Zaida James, Karishma Ramharack, Mandy Mangru, Nerissa Crafton

 

Players to watch out

Laura Wolvaardt: The captain of South Africa is a right-handed opening batter, who has scored the most T20I runs for her team in this calendar year. She has smashed 403 runs in 11 matches at a blistering strike rate of 133 and a healthy average of 40.

Marizanne Kapp: The dashing all-rounder from South Africa will be expected to contribute with both bat and ball. She is a right-handed middle-order batter and a right-arm medium pacer. This experienced cricketer has more than 1500 runs and 75+ wickets in 100+T20Is.

Hayley Matthews: The skipper of West Indies is world number one all-rounder in women’s T20Is. She is a right-handed opening batter and a right-arm off spinner, having featured in 96 T20Is. She has muscled 2300+ runs and is just one wicket away from completing 100 T20I wickets.

Chinelle Henry: This swashbuckling all-rounder is known for her hard-hitting abilities in the middle-order. Besides, she can contribute with the ball, and has the reputation of bowling at good pace.

 

Weather

It will be sunny, breezy, and warm. The temperature is expected to be around 38 degrees Celsius

 

Match details

Date: October 4, 2024

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium

Time: 3:30 PM

Live streaming: Star Sports Network, Disney + Hotstar