Women’s T20 WC: Bangladesh Opt To Bat Against Unchanged South Africa In Final Group Clash

Women’s T20 WC: Bangladesh opt to bat against unchanged South Africa in final group clash (Image Source: IANS)

Most Sharmin Akter Supta: Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat against South Africa in the penultimate group-stage game of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at the Lord’s Cricket Ground on Sunday.

The Proteas enter this must-win clash with their semifinal hopes hanging by a thread. After opening their campaign with a heavy 65-run defeat to Australia, a result that badly dented their net run rate, Laura Wolvaardt's side have responded admirably with three successive victories to climb back into contention. Their NRR has improved to +0.734, but it still trails India's commanding +2.268, leaving the Proteas with very little margin for error.

While there remains a mathematical possibility of overtaking India on net run rate, it would require an extraordinary victory margin that appears highly unlikely. The simpler route is clear: beat Bangladesh and hope Australia defeat India later in the day. If the defending champions do their part, South Africa's place in the semifinals will be secured without any need for complicated calculations.

The Proteas will also take confidence from their impressive record against Bangladesh, having won 12 of their 14 completed T20Is. Bangladesh, meanwhile, are staring at an early exit themselves and will also be playing at Lord's for the first time, adding another challenge to an already difficult assignment.

Bangladesh currently have four points from four matches and probably won't advance to the semi-final. Their best chance is to beat South Africa by over 100 runs and then hope Australia beat India by an even bigger margin.

For South Africa, the equation is straightforward but unforgiving. Win first, then wait for the result from the second game of the double-header. Anything less, and their World Cup campaign could come to an end despite a spirited comeback after a difficult start.

Winning the toss, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty said, “Looking at the conditions, we felt it would be good to put runs on the board. We have one change from the last game - Taj Nehar comes in for Dilara Akter. It's another opportunity for us. There have been a lot of positives to take from this tournament, but we really want to finish with a win. It's a great chance for the team to end the tournament on a high.”

Meanwhile, South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt said, “Probably would've had a bowl anyway. Unchanged today. We've had a couple of close games along the way. We're finding ways to win. Hopefully we can do that again. Numbers are pretty massive that we need to get (the NRR equations). Will take one ball at a time. Winning is the priority.”

Playing XIs:

Meanwhile, South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt said, “Probably would've had a bowl anyway. Unchanged today. We've had a couple of close games along the way. We're finding ways to win. Hopefully we can do that again. Numbers are pretty massive that we need to get (the NRR equations). Will take one ball at a time. Winning is the priority.”

South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Annerie Dercksen, Dane Van Niekerk, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine De Klerk, Chloe Tryon, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba

Article Source: IANS