With a chance to play on the stage of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 available, England and South Africa will meet for the final semi-final Thursday, February 24.
Australia are now guaranteed a place in the finals after overcoming India 5 runs to 1 in an exciting game on 23rd February. The game of England as well as South Africa will be played at the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town The same stadium which hosted the semi-finals in the first place.
England was the top of Group 2 after having not lost a game throughout, as South Africa endured a rollercoaster ride to knockouts, defeating and winning two games each for Group 1. The hosts can’t afford to puff and puff on Friday there is no second chance in sight.
As we prepare for what is sure to be another delicious match in the women’s T20 World Cup, here’s three player contests that could decide the tournament’s outcome.
#1 Danni Wyatt vs Shabnim Ismail
After a dazzling 33-ball 59 in the match against Pakistan England’s leading opening batsman Danni Wyatt is set to play in finals in the women’s T20 World Cup. Famous for taking bowlers off in the powerplay. The opener is expected to repeat the same approach against South Africa.
However Wyatt does face an unfavorable matchup to conquer with Shabnim Ismail blocking her path. The fast bowler has dismissed Wyatt at least three times in T20Is so that point, with the latter hitting at a strike-rate that is 111.1 against Ismail with the rate of 13.3.
Ismail hasn’t taken part in the wickets yet during the Ladies T20 World Cup. But, if she’s able to maintain her dominance over Wyatt with this particular format, she may quite possibly make her team of South Africans in front on Friday.
# 2 Laura Wolvaardt vs Katherine Sciver-Brunt
Wyatt’s counterpart in the opening position Laura Wolvaardt is among the most beautiful stroke-makers of the sport. With a delicious covering drive Wolvaardt plays the central role in the South African batting unit and as Wyatt she comes into the game with an impressive half-century.
The similarities don’t end there. this however – If Ismail has afflicted Wyatt and England’s top seamer Katherine Sciver-Brunt did similar to Wolvaardt in the course of time. In the 18 deliveries she’s sent to the first batsman in T20Is she’s conceded just 11 runs, while removing her three times.
Wolvaardt is carrying a heavy burden of expectations for South Africa in this semi-final. If she wants to meet these expectations and help her team get a place in Finals for the Women’s T20 World Cup, countering Sciver-Brunt’s threat is essential.
#3 Natalie Sciver-Brunt vs Nonkululeko Mlaba
What a year The success that Natalie Sciver-Brunt has enjoyed during her participation in the Women’s T20 World Cup so far. The leading run-scorer of the tournament has been consistent, with two half-centuries, and an unbeaten score of 40 to her achievements.
England’s vice-captain has been in the top of their pace of scoring and speed throughout the middle of the overs. The other side of the coin are left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, who is enjoying a great career of her very own with South Africa.
The track used for this game will be identical to that used for the India-Australia match. Because it is located on the slow side it may be among the important subplots in this second semifinal.
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