South Africa Women vs Bangladesh Women, ICCW T20 WC 2023, Today Match Prediction 21 February 2023

rsaw vs banw Match Prediction & Analysis

Things are shaping up nicely in Group A of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023. While Australia Women have already qualified for the semi-final from this group, New Zealand Women and South Africa Women are vying for the second semi spot. New Zealand have finished their league stage with 4 points and by claiming a 102-run victory against Sri Lanka Women, they have improved their net run rate (NRR) to + 0.138. South Africa have 2 points from 3 matches and are all set to play their final league game against Bangladesh Women at Newlands on February 21. Their NRR is + 0.685 and a thumping win here should help them eclipse New Zealand’s NRR and confirm their semi-final berth.

 

TEAMS PREVIEW

South Africa Women Preview

South Africa Women’s batting hasn’t exactly clicked in this T20 World Cup. Captain Sune Luus has been their most consistent batter, collecting 70 runs in 3 matches at a strike rate of 102.94. Opener Tazmin Brits played a vital knock of 45 off 36 balls against Australia at St George's Park on February 18. That performance will give the team a lot of confidence, particularly since the batting unit is woefully short of runs.

The Proteas women will be hoping that Marizanne Kapp gets some runs in this match. The experienced batter has managed only 20 runs in 3 matches this tournament and needs to step up. The good news is that she averages 33 against Bangladesh Women, and this might well be her chance to shine. Laura Wolvaardt (164 runs in the last 10 matches at an average of 27.33 and a strike rate of 88.17) is another batter to keep an eye out for.

Marizanne Kapp has led South Africa Women’s bowling charts this tournament, taking 5 wickets in 3 innings at an economy of just 4.81. Slow left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba has taken 4 wickets in 3 games at an economy of 5.83. These two bowlers will play a crucial role in keeping the Bangladesh batters in check. 

 

South Africa Women Predicted Playing XI:

Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus (c), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Delmi Tucker, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Shabnim Ismail, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba

South Africa Women Actual Playing XI:

Laura Wolvaardt, Sune Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Shabnim Ismail, Anneke Bosch, Chloe Tryon, Tazmin Brits, Ayabonga Khaka, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta

Bangladesh Women Preview

Bangladesh Women have had a forgettable tournament so far, losing all the 3 matches they have played. This World Cup is already over for them, and Bangladesh will be playing for pride. However, getting past a strong South African outfit on their home ground will be a herculean task.

Captain Nigar Sultana has led from the front, scoring 91 runs in 3 matches at a strike rate of 94.89. Unfortunately, she has barely gotten any support from the other batters. The next batter with the most runs for the team is Shorna Akter (48 runs in 3 innings at a strike rate of 87.27), followed by Sobhana Mostary (40 runs in 3 matches at a strike rate of 68.96). Clearly, it’s a sorry state of affairs.

18-year-old right-arm seamer Marufa Akter has been the standout bowler for Bangladesh Women in this tournament. She has taken the new ball and taken 4 wickets in 3 innings at an economy of 6.83. The other bowlers have consistently leaked runs, barring leg-spinner Rumana Ahmed who has an economy of 5.75.

 

Bangladesh Women Predicted Playing XI:

Shamima Sultana (wk), Murshida Khatun, Sobhana Mostary, Nigar Sultana (c), Shorna Akter, Rumana Ahmed, Ritu Moni, Nahida Akter, Marufa Akter, Fahima Khatun, Salma Khatun

Bangladesh Women Actual Playing XI:

Nahida Akter, Jahanara Alam, Lata Mondal, Sobhana Mostary, Nigar Sultana, Murshida Khatun, Marufa Akter, Shorna Akter, Fargana Hoque, Fahima Khatun, Shamima Sultana

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

This pitch at Newlands remains true throughout the game. It will assist the bowlers more, especially the seamers. Batters will have to weather the first six overs when the ball will move around a bit, but they will get their chance to play the strokes once they get used to the surface.

The weather in Cape Town during the match will be a little cloudy and cool.

Venue Details

The average score batting first at Newlands in women’s T20Is is 129. The highest total posted at the venue in this T20 World Cup is 165-5 by Pakistan Women versus Ireland Women. The team batting first in this game should be looking to set a target of around 150-160 runs.

Toss: To Bowl

South Africa Women are sure to look to chase in this match as that would let them know exactly how many overs they need to get the target in to eclipse New Zealand’s NRR. If Bangladesh Women win the toss, they are likely to bat first.