The clash of colossus is here. It’s the game between the two top sides in the ODI rankings and in the points table as well. Match number 21 will witness South Africa Women colliding against Australia Women. This match will be played at Basin Reserve in Wellington on March 22, 2022.
Both the teams are undefeated at the moment and one of them will see their first failure. South Africa Women have won four out of four while the Australian Women have won five out of five. Both the teams have secured their place in the semis and this encounter will be a true test of their skills.
The Proteas Women side has impressed everyone with their stellar performances so far and have been able to keep their nerves in the crunch moments. Apart from their first game against Bangladesh Women all the other games have gone down to the wire.
Marizanne Kapp’s scintillating finishing ability sealed the deal against the whiter Ferns in their previous battle. Laura Wolvaardt is the only batter who is on a consistent run and the others have failed to make their mark with the bat. But it’s their bowlers, especially Ayabonga Khaka and Marizanne Kapp who have taken 10-wickets each so far in this tournament and have made the new ball talk.
A win against the high-flying Australian side will boost their confidence heading into the crucial knockout stage encounters.
Meanwhile, Australia Women have been untouchable in this World Cup. They are on a mission and have been enjoying a five match undefeated streak. They have eased past their opponents in their last four matches after being worked hard in their first victory against England Women.
Rachel Haynes is the current top run getter in this edition and will be eyeing another fifty plus score. Led by Meg Lanning, this Australian side boasts a strong side on paper and have almost all the bases covered. They showed their mettle against India by chasing down 278 with utmost ease and will be eager to continue their dominance.
So be ready to witness this high profile encounter as one will have to get their first tick in the losses column.
Match Details:
South Africa Women vs Australia Women- Match 21
Date and Time- March 22, 2022, 3:30 AM IST
Venue- Basin Reserve, Wellington
Broadcast- Star Sports Network and Disney+Hotstar
Pitch Report:
The Basin Reserve pitch suits the seamers and a morning start means there will be moisture to work with. Batting skills will be tested but if one has the ability to apply themselves and play then the runs will come along. The average first innings total is 240.Toss-winning skipper will love to bowl first.
Weather Conditions:
According to the forecasts, there will be some drizzles on both sides of the match time. Overall one can expect a full game.
Squads:
South Africa Women
Lizelle Lee, Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus (c), Mignon du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Trisha Chetty (wk), Shabnim Ismail, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka, Lara Goodall, Sinalo Jafta, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nonkululeko Mlaba.
Australia Women
Alyssa Healy (wk), Rachael Haynes, Meg Lanning (c), Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardner, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown, Grace Harris, Nicola Carey, Amanda Wellington, Annabel Sutherland.
Probable Playing XI:
South Africa Women
Lizelle Lee, Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus (c), Mignon du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Trisha Chetty (wk), Shabnim Ismail, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka.
Australia Women
Alyssa Healy (wk), Rachael Haynes, Meg Lanning (c), Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardner, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown.
CE Fantasy XI:
Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Sune Luus, Mignon du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka.
Captain- Laura Wolvaardt
Vice-Captain- Rachael Haynes