WT20WC 2024 Day Seven Preview: Dubai double-header to have semi-final ramifications
Two massive games await at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on Wednesday 9 October as the race for the semi-final spots heats up.
South Africa will be looking to return to winning ways when they take on Scotland, before India battle it out with Sri Lanka later in the day in a re-match of the Asia Cup final from earlier this year.
South Africa v Scotland
South Africa v Scotland, Wednesday 9 October (14:00 local), Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
South Africa v Scotland | Whatever It Takes Preview | WT20WC 2024
The Proteas will be disappointed to have fallen short against England on Monday, but have little time to lick their wounds as they face winless Scotland in a crucial Group B encounter.
A victory here will have South Africa well-placed to reach the semi-finals and they will be keen to get a bit more support for skipper Laura Wolvaardt from their strong batting line-up.
Scotland have shown glimpses of their best form at the tournament so far, but will need to put it all together for an entire match if they are to claim their first victory in the UAE and stay in contention for the knockout stages.
Sisters Kathryn and Sarah Bryce will be crucial for Scotland's hopes, while evergreen all-rounder Marizanne Kapp looms as an important player for the Proteas given her experience on the big stage.
What They Said
South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt: "The team talk (is we) still have got two very important games. I think if we win them well, we still have a big chance of making semis. I'm not too sure what the maths is, but I'm pretty sure two wins puts us in a good position. So, all focus will just be on the next game."
Scotland batter Lorna-Jack Brown: "The one thing that we kind of want to take home from this is, as I said, we want to come and compete here and show the countries here that actually, although we are an associate nation, we can play cricket, and we can play competitive cricket."
The 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. Travelling reserve: Miané Smit
Scotland: Kathryn Bryce (c), Sarah Bryce (vc), Lorna Jack-Brown, Abbi Aitken-Drummond, Abtaha Maqsood, Saskia Horley, Chloe Abel, Priyanaz Chatterji, Megan McColl, Darcey Carter, Ailsa Lister, Hannah Rainey, Rachel Slater, Katherine Fraser, Olivia Bell
India v Sri Lanka
India v Sri Lanka, Wednesday 9 October (18:00 local), Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
India v Sri Lanka | Whatever It Takes Preview | WT20WC 2024
It was Sri Lanka that came out on top when these two rivals met in the final of the Asia Cup in July and the island nation will be looking for a similar result again here to keep their chances alive of reaching the knockout stages.
Losses to Pakistan and Australia to start their campaign means Sri Lanka will need to win both their remaining matches at the tournament to have any chance of making the semi-finals, while India cannot afford too many errors following their first up defeat to New Zealand.
India will have gained some confidence from their recent victory over Pakistan and will be keen to keep that winning run going ahead of a final group match against reigning champions Australia.
Sri Lanka will be keen for their top-order to find some form, with skipper Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama yet to fire at the event. India's spinners are likely to be play a big role in this match, so watch for Deepti Sharma and Shreyanka Patil to be utilised early.
What They Said
India bowler Arundhati Reddy: "We understand net run rate is important but also winning the game is all the more important for us. Like you said again net run rate will be in play especially in this group."
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu: "We have to be bounce back next two games I hope my girls will perform next two games. Hopefully the condition is different in Dubai So we are playing next game in Dubai against India. So, I hope we can play really good cricket in Dubai."
The Squads
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia (subject to fitness), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil (subject to fitness), Sajana Sajeevan Travelling reserves: Uma Chetry (wk), Tanuja Kanwer, Saima Thakor. Non-Travelling reserves: Raghvi Bist, Priya Mishra
Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Anushka Sanjeewani, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika de Silva, Inoka Ranaweera, Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, Sachini Nisansala, Vishmi Gunaratne, Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Shashini Gimhani, Ama Kanchana. Travelling reserve: Kaushini Nuthyangana
Catch the fun-filled behind-the-scenes of India's media day before the Women's T20 World Cup 2024.
The T20 World Cup will see 23 matches held in total over 18 days, with all matches in the two host cities of Dubai and Sharjah.
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