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After Pakistan got the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup off to a winning start on Thursday against Sri Lanka, it is time for a double header at the extravaganza in the UAE. South Africa, West Indies, India and New Zealand will be in contention today (4 October).
The day begins with South Africa vs West Indies in Dubai in the sweltering afternoon heat followed by India against New Zealand in the evening.
South Africa vs West Indies (2pm local time/3:30pm IST)
South Africa and the West Indies both suffered defeats in their warm-up matches leading up to the tournament, with South Africa’s losses being particularly unexpected.They were bowled out for just 92 runs against New Zealand, resulting in an eight-wicket loss, and fell short of their 145-run target against India.
In contrast, the West Indies lost to teams ranked significantly higher than them, first falling to India by 20 runs and then to Australia by 35 runs, struggling to chase down scores in the 140s on both occasions.
South Africa finished as runners-up in the 2023 T20 World Cup and aim to maintain their momentum following a 2-1 series victory against Pakistan. Although they hold a 7-14 win-loss record against the West Indies, South Africa have triumphed in three of their last four T20 encounters with them.
The West Indies also bring some positive momentum, having secured a 2-1 series victory in Sri Lanka, although that was back in June.
South Africa might opt for a spin-heavy lineup, potentially including 18-year-old legspinner Seshnie Naidu along with allrounders Chloe Tryon and Sune Luus.
The weather in Dubai is expected to be quite hot, with temperatures around 37°C at the time of the 1:30pm local time toss, remaining warm even after the match concludes.
South Africa squad: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon
West Indies squad: Hayley Matthews (capt), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Shemaine Campbelle (vice-capt, wk), Ashmini Munisar, Afy Fletcher, Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Chedean Nation, Qiana Joseph, Zaida James, Karishma Ramharack, Mandy Mangru, Nerissa Crafton
India vs New Zealand (6pm local time/7:30pm IST)
India secured victories in both their warm-up matches, winning by convincing margins of 20 runs against the West Indies and 28 runs against South Africa.
In contrast, New Zealand won one and lost the other warm-up game, defeating South Africa by eight wickets but going down to England by five wickets.
Two players in the India squad, all-rounder Shreyanka Patil and wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia, are being monitored for fitness. Both participated in the warm-up matches, which is a positive sign for India. Head coach Amol Muzumdar confirmed on the eve of the match that captain Harmanpreet Kaur would bat at No. 3, as she did in the warm-ups, although she has only batted in that position five times since 2019. The last occasion was against Ireland during the 2023 T20 World Cup when India’s opening partnership lasted 9.3 overs.
Meanwhile, New Zealand enter the tournament after suffering ten consecutive losses in T20Is, including a 3-0 sweep by Australia. They will be eager to secure a win today to improve their chances of reaching the semi-finals.
While India may have made a last-minute decision regarding their No. 3 batting position, New Zealand have opted to move their powerful captain, Sophie Devine, into the middle order, with Georgia Plimmer and Suzie Bates set to open.
Both teams are anticipating significant dew during the evening match, making the toss crucial.
India squad:Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Smriti Mandhana (vice-capt), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, D Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Sajeevan Sajana
New Zealand squad: Sophie Devine (capt), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Isabella Gaze (wk), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu
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