ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 Match 4, England vs South Africa: Preview, prediction, likely XIs

England Women will play South Africa Women in Match 4 of the T20 World Cup, at the WACA Ground, Perth. Both teams are coming off disappointing performances earlier this month: while England came last in the Tri-Nation T20 tournament in Australia (that also included India), South Africa lost the series in New Zealand 1-3.

Despite the setback, however, England have had a reasonably good time (12 wins, 4 defeats) since the last edition. They did whitewash both India and Sri Lanka at their respective dens last year; won a T20I against West Indies but lost 1-2 to Australia, both at home; and whitewashed Pakistan 3-0 in Malaysia. Even in the Tri-Nation they won 2 of their 4 matches.

They have a pair of explosive openers in Amy Jones and Danni Wyatt; a very potent bowling attack; and Heather Knight has been in terrific form of late. All in all, they remain one of the best sides in the world.

South Africa, on the other hand, beat Sri Lanka 3-0 and Pakistan 3-2, but both were at home. Away from home they lost 1-3 in both India and New Zealand – which gave them a record of 8-8 (but 2-6 away from home). It has not been a good year.

Nevertheless, the return of Dane van Niekerk, one of the finest all-rounders in the world, and Chloe Tryon, the batter with the highest strike rate in the format, will do wonders to help them find their lost mojo.

Despite that, however, England will take field as favourites.

Head to head

This has been a one-way contest over the years, with England winning 15 matches and South Africa 2. However, the record reads 3-2 (in England’s favour) over the last 5 matches.

Key players

Heather Knight (England Women): With 176 runs at 141, an economy rate of 6.50 an over, and her ability to marshal her troops with panache, Knight stood tall amidst England’s below-par outing at the Tri-Nation tournament. She will be expected to do all that yet again.

Dane van Niekerk (South Africa Women): Van Niekerk’s return as the side’s captain and premier all-rounder was the best possible boost South Africa could have had going into the tournament. As always, van Niekerk will have to assume great responsibilities here.

Likely XIs

England Women: Amy Jones (wk), Danni Wyatt, Nat Sciver, Heather Knight (c), Fran Wilson, Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Lauren Winfield, Anya Shrubsole, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn.

South Africa Women: Lizelle Lee, Laura Wolvaardt, Mignon du Preez, Dane van Niekerk (c), Chloe Tryon, Sune Luus, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Trisha Chetty (wk), Ayabonga Khaka, Shabnim Ismail.

Prediction

England to win.