Women’s T20 World Cup 2020: England vs South Africa, Match 4 Preview: Heather Knight flag off their campaign against a robust Proteas squad

As the enthralling journey of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 continues, two formidable squads– England Women and South Africa Women are set to lock horns in the fourth match of the tournament. The much-awaited clash between the two stalwarts of Group B is slated to take place at Perth on 23 February.

After finishing as runner-ups in the previous edition after bowing down against Australia in the final, England Women will be eager to finally etch their name on the trophy this season. England Women have lifted the coveted trophy once in the first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup in 2009. Post being crowned as champions in the foremost edition of the marquee event, England Women’s heist of clinching their second world title still vague till date.

Despite a mediocre performance in the recently-concluded Tri-Nation series, England Women cannot be written off due to the presence of many experienced stalwarts in their squad. Their pace battery comprising the likes of Sciver, Brunt, Shrubsole and Davies are expected to play a pivotal role in England Women’s pursuit of their second World Cup trophy. The Heather Knight-led side will be eager to flag off their campaign on a positive note by toppling a formidable South African side.

South Africa, on the other hand, will be hoping to retaliate after exhibiting a dismal performance in the 2018 T20 World Cup. The Proteas Women were knocked out of the group stage after finishing third in their group. However, considering their on-paper squad this time, South Africa Women are touted to be one of the contenders to clinch the World Cup trophy.

A robust batting force coupled with many match-winning bowlers is the biggest advantages for the South African side. The experienced Marizanne Kapp will be steering their bowling force along with Shabnim Ismail. Whereas skipper Dane Van Niekerk, Mignon Du Preez and Lizelle Lee will be at the helm of their batting lineup.

Team Combination

England Women

England Women are equipped with many match-winning all-rounders who are capable of steering their side single-handedly to the victory. Heather Knight– the skipper will be hoping to lead her side from the front considering her exemptional form lately. In a career spanning over 70 T20Is, she has mustered 946 runs with her willow including three half-centuries. Moreover, she also has the potential to scalp crucial wickets with the ball.

The right-arm off-break bowler has plucked 20 wickets including best figures of 3/9. Danielle Wyatt is another player in England’s arsenal who can single-handedly change the course of the match. Natalie Sciver will be steering their bowling force along with Anya Shrubsole and Freya Davies.

Predicted XI: Amy Ellen Jones (wk), Danielle Wyatt, Natalie Sciver, Heather Knight (C), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Winfield, Fran Wilson, Katherine Brunt, Anya Shrubsole, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn

South Africa Women

The batting trio of Niekerk, Lee and du Preez will be aiming to propel South Africa Women to a flying start. The Proteas side also has the likes of Tyron and Kapp in their middle-order arsenal. However, their strength lies in the bowling force, which will be led by Marizanne Kapp. The 30-year-old has the potential to contribute in both the departments. She boasts an impressive record of scalping nine wickets in her last five encounters with South Africa Women. Since making her T20I debut almost a decade ago, Kapp has emerged as one of South Africa Women’s pinnacle all-rounders.

Predicted XI: Lizelle Lee, Dane van Niekerk (C), Marizanne Kapp, Mignon de Preez, Laura Wolvaardt, Sune Luus, Chloe Tyron, Trisha Chetty (wk), Shabnim Ismail, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka

Focus will be on

Danielle Wyatt (England Women)

Despite not being in great form, Danielle Wyatt has the potential to turn the match single-handedly in England Women’s favour. The 28-year-old has smashed only one half-century in her last five matches. However, she cannot be written off due to her vast T20I experience.

The top-order batswoman has played 105 T20Is in which she has mustered 1541 runs including two tons and seven half-centuries. Her forte isn’t limited to her batting skills. She has scalped 46 wickets in her T20I career including a four-wicket haul. Wyatt undoubtedly can emerge as England Women’s talisman considering her match-winning abilities.

Marizanne Kapp (South Africa Women)

Marizanne Kapp is probably one of the best all-rounders to feature in this year’s Womens T20 World Cup. The right-handed batswoman has a plethora of experience under her belt as she has donned the South African jersey in 76 T20Is.

In a career spanning over more than 10 years, the 30-year-old has mustered 877 runs and has scalped 56 wickets. In her previous match against Australia Women, Kapp put up a formidable display by stitching 22 runs and scalping a four-wicket haul. Kapp is expected to play a pivotal role in basking South Africa Women in T20 World Cup 2020 triumph.

Head to Head

Played – 18 | Won by England Women – 15 | Won by South Africa Women – 2 | Tied – 0 | No result – 1

Stat Attack

9 – Marizanne Kapp has scalped nine wickets in her last five matches for South Africa Women.

2 – England Women skipper Danni Wyatt has two T20I tons under her belt.

Broadcast details

TV – Star Sports

Live streaming – Hotstar

Match Timings – 07:00 pm (local), 1:30 pm (IST)