Australia Women will be challenged by South Africa Women in the first semi-final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. The match will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on 17th October 2024 at 7:30 PM IST.
Australian Women’s team, as usual, have been in excellent form as a team. They have won all four games and were the only unbeaten side after the league stage. They defeated India despite missing skipper Alyssa Healy and Tyla Vlaeminck, which shows the insane depth they have in their squad. The Aussies will be eyeing their 8th appearance T20 World Cup final by winning this match.
On the other hand, South Africa women won 3 of the 4 games in the league stage. They lost to Australia in the finals of the last edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup and it’s a great opportunity for them to settle the score with the Aussies. The likes of Marizanne Kapp and Laura Wolvaardt will have to be at their best if South Africa wants to win this match.
Australia Women: Beth Mooney (wk), Grace Harris, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Phoebe Litchfield, Ashleigh Gardner, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Sophie Molineux, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown/Heather Graham
South Africa Women: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klert, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka
The pitch at Dubai was an excellent one for batting, especially in the second innings. There was some purchase for the spinners in the first innings and the pacers also got some movement initially. The pitch got better to bat on as the game progressed. Expect scores in the region of 150-160 in this match. Teams are expected to prefer chasing.
It will be a clear day with no chance of rain. The temperature will be around 32 degrees Celsius and humidity will be around 50-60% during the game.
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Beth Mooney (AU-W)
Nonkululeko Mlaba (SA-W)
Laura Wolvaardt (SA-W)
Ashleigh Gardner (AU-W)
Annabel Sutherland (AU-W)
Marizanne Kapp (SA-W)
Sinalo Jafta (SA-W)
Australia women have insane depth in their squad with both bat and ball. All the XI players in their squad are capable of winning games single-handedly on their day. South Africa women will have to be at their best to win this match. Australian women should win this game.