Guwahati: Recently not in best of their form, four-time ODI World Cup champions England open their campaign this time against South Africa in Guwahati on Friday. The Proteas women, meanwhile, look like real contenders in this edition.
England have the pedigree, they are second behind seven-time champions Australia in all-time winners list. But SA will be trying to convert their recent form in white-ball cricket into title-winning success as they begin the sojourn at Barsapara Cricket Stadium.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
In the last two T20 World Cups, Proteas finished runners-up. They have been semifinalists in the last two ODI World Cups, eventually going down to their Friday’s opponents, England. While the 2017 semis was a close contest, in the 2022 last-four clash, SA suffered a heavy loss.
With recent wins against heavyweights Australia, England and Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the West Indies, SA have enough confidence to overcome any early jitters against the traditional powerhouse.
SA batting will be led by slightly out-of-form captain Laura Wolvaardt but dominating the batting charts in the limited-overs game means she is always a threat to the opponents. Opener Tazmin Brits is in great form with back-to-back centuries in the ODI series in Pakistan barely two weeks ago. One of those was her highest ODI score of an unbeaten 171.
However, pace bowling all-rounder Marizanne Kapp will be pivotal to South Africa’s performance. Another player to watch out for will be teenage wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso. But for all their potential and experience combined, the SA women must look to counter their over dependence on the Wolvaardt-Brits combo in batting.
Spin bowling department is an area where the Proteas look a little out of strength with only Nonkululeko Mlaba to fall back on with conditions in India and Sri Lanka likely to help tweakers significantly.
Interestingly, this is the area where England have plenty of options. World No. 1 Sophie Ecclestone will get support from the likes of Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn and in-form Linsey Smith in this department. Pace bowling charge will be taken by Lauren Bell, Lauren Filer and Em Arlott.
Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt is the player England always rely on to lead them from the front, and this World Cup will not be any exception. But they must not overtly rely on the talismanic captain and should iron out the creases on display during the recent 1-2 series loss at home to India.
With both sides aiming for a winning start, Friday promises to be a super clash as South Africa gun for their elusive ICC trophy and England aim to add one more to their four cups of joy.
England have the pedigree, they are second behind seven-time champions Australia in all-time winners list. But SA will be trying to convert their recent form in white-ball cricket into title-winning success as they begin the sojourn at Barsapara Cricket Stadium.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
In the last two T20 World Cups, Proteas finished runners-up. They have been semifinalists in the last two ODI World Cups, eventually going down to their Friday’s opponents, England. While the 2017 semis was a close contest, in the 2022 last-four clash, SA suffered a heavy loss.
With recent wins against heavyweights Australia, England and Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the West Indies, SA have enough confidence to overcome any early jitters against the traditional powerhouse.
SA batting will be led by slightly out-of-form captain Laura Wolvaardt but dominating the batting charts in the limited-overs game means she is always a threat to the opponents. Opener Tazmin Brits is in great form with back-to-back centuries in the ODI series in Pakistan barely two weeks ago. One of those was her highest ODI score of an unbeaten 171.
However, pace bowling all-rounder Marizanne Kapp will be pivotal to South Africa’s performance. Another player to watch out for will be teenage wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso. But for all their potential and experience combined, the SA women must look to counter their over dependence on the Wolvaardt-Brits combo in batting.
Spin bowling department is an area where the Proteas look a little out of strength with only Nonkululeko Mlaba to fall back on with conditions in India and Sri Lanka likely to help tweakers significantly.
Interestingly, this is the area where England have plenty of options. World No. 1 Sophie Ecclestone will get support from the likes of Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn and in-form Linsey Smith in this department. Pace bowling charge will be taken by Lauren Bell, Lauren Filer and Em Arlott.
Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt is the player England always rely on to lead them from the front, and this World Cup will not be any exception. But they must not overtly rely on the talismanic captain and should iron out the creases on display during the recent 1-2 series loss at home to India.
With both sides aiming for a winning start, Friday promises to be a super clash as South Africa gun for their elusive ICC trophy and England aim to add one more to their four cups of joy.
You may also like
BREAKING: Stacey Solomon joins Britain's Got Talent after Simon Cowell health crisis
Zoe Ball issues plea to fans after son Woody makes surprising discovery
Family of Manchester synagogue attacker Jihad Al-Shamie issues new statement
Kemi Badenoch makes embarrassing Brexit gaffe despite claiming she never makes gaffes
Manchester attack: One of the fatal terror victims shot by armed police
