ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, ENG vs SA: Most teams would have had to adapt to the challenging weather and playing conditions within the UAE for the T20 World Cup so far and it does seem surprising that they still do not have plans in place to overcome these inherent hurdles. There is going to be much running from batting as well as fielding perspectives in the games going ahead, played on the slow, low pitches of Sharjah and Dubai as well with heat smothering too, and boundaries not coming easily.
This is going to be a very interesting encounter for England and South Africa as both teams have ensured that they take the win before their meeting. Both teams are so confident that, come Monday, the teams will be positive that the rivalry sets them up well for reaching at least the semifinals. A win will boost the morale of the team, but it will also place the team in good standing to top off their respective groups.
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South Africa set the bar very high in their opening game, absolutely dominating West Indies across all departments to emerge easy winners. England did better against Bangladesh but labored hard to get across the line for their first victory. Though its side far surpasses the opposition in terms of lineup, England would hope for a much-improved show, particularly from its veteran middle order.
However South Africa’s pace bowlers are not as impactful as they generally are in middle overs, the force they have is sufficiently strong to play any game, and that too on sluggish wickets. While Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits take the batting off to a fantastic start in the tournament, South Africa needs to see their middle order fire when the opportunity arises.
A re-match of last year's #T20WorldCup semi-final 🔥
— ICC (@ICC) October 7, 2024
Who will come out on top in this epic rivalry? 📲 https://t.co/JQpRWZMQ6A#WhateverItTakes pic.twitter.com/bvemMuaH0H
Match Details:
When: England vs. South Africa, Match 9
Date: Monday, October 7, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM Local Time
Where: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
What To Expect:
England has experience with this Test on the Sharjah pitch, which has been low and slow. South Africa would have had two days off and should be ready for the test they had ahead of them. There is no respite in such hot conditions where boundaries are scarce. Run-scoring will be difficult.
Team News:
England: No injuries reported. They are likely to field the same XI.
Probable XI: Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Maia Bouchier, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Knight, Amy Jones, Danielle Gibson, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Linsey Smith
South Africa: No changes expected, coming in with a strong lineup.
Probable XI: Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Anne Bosch, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinola Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka
What They’re Saying:
“It felt like we ran really well at the start with Maia (Bouchier) and I. It is pretty obvious, really, that we need to keep that energy up. The conditions are obviously slow and low, so it is crucial to hit the pockets and play with intent. I am just focused on settling in and playing my shots.” – Danni Wyatt-Hodge, on her team’s performance vs. Bangladesh
Now, as the teams gear up for the much-awaited match, not only will there be a battle in the field for sure, but it is most probable that the fans will not miss out on witnessing such action.
