Sune Luus of South Africa bats during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup match between South Africa and Thailand at Manuka Oval on February 28, 2020 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Women’s T20 World Cup: Proteas seek perfection against Windies
The Proteas clinched their place in the last four of the Women’s T20 World Cup with victory over Pakistan but there is still plenty on the line against the Windies.
Sune Luus of South Africa bats during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup match between South Africa and Thailand at Manuka Oval on February 28, 2020 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
The Proteas may already have sealed a place in the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals, but in their final pool match against the West Indies in Sydney they will be chasing the perfect performance.
South Africa endured a disappointing 2018 tournament and came into the 2020 edition expecting a battle to get through the group stage, but they have made an almost perfect start.
Champions in 2016 the West Indies were blown away by an England team shocked into life by defeat to the Proteas. That result coupled with South Africa’s victory over Pakistan means the Proteas and England will play in the semi-finals.
If the Proteas beat the West Indies, they will top the group and face the winner of the clash between Australia and New Zealand. If South Africa lose to the West Indies, they will face unbeaten India in the last four.
Women’s T20 World Cup tilts towards strong bowling
The 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup has been dominated by strong bowling displays from the likes of India and the Proteas.
Skipper Dane van Niekerk has an impressive arsenal of bowlers studded by the number of allrounders in the top six. Van Niekerk herself is one of those, she has taken on the responsibility of opening. The Proteas captain has been dismissed cheaply in her last two outings and could use some time out in the middle against the West Indies.
The West Indies might be tempted to rotate their XI considering their elimination but the Proteas are likely to remain unchanged.
Marizanne Kapp returned against Pakistan after missing the Proteas record-breaking win over Thailand with injury. Kapp struck 31 in the Proteas innings but did not bowl in the successful defence.
The last meeting between these two sides in the T20I format was the Proteas blowout loss to the West Indies at the 2018 Women’s T20 World Cup.
The Proteas will be wary of a quality West Indies team that haven’t played their best cricket at this tournament.
Skipper Stafanie Taylor is probably the biggest threat to the Proteas bowlers and the wicket van Niekerk will prize. Afy Fletcher and Anisa Mohammed will test the Proteas top order.
Match Details
Venue: Sydney Showground Stadium
Date: Tuesday 3 March 2020
Start Time: 10:00 (SAST), 19:00 (Local time)
Umpires: Nitin Menon and Kim Cotton
TV Umpire: Claire Polosak
Fourth Umpire: Chris Brown
Match Referee: GS Lakshmi
Broadcaster: Supersport 6 (DSTV Channel 206)
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