South Africa vs West Indies, ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020, Sydney: Preview, likely XI, prediction

This is a dead-rubber. South Africa are already assured of a place in the semi-finals from Group B, along with England, and West Indies, the 2016 champions, are set to play their final match of the tournament. Both teams will, therefore, have different agendas from their final group encounter.

For South Africa, the match will be important to rest a few players, get into rhythm those that need it, and generally consider it an extra warm-up match. The only thing they can gain from winning the match is ensure they meet Australia. Stay where they are, and they will face India.

It’s not an easy choice, but given Australia are experienced at knockout stages, South Africa might just prefer playing an Indian side that is dangerous, but also may have a soft underbelly to be exposed.

Professionalism requires that South Africa give it their all in the match, and that, however, might be enough to see them win their fourth match and finish atop Group B. West Indies have been far from the force they were in the format a few years ago, and were particularly hamstrung when Stafanie Taylor, their inspirational captain, was ruled out of the final group clash.

Despite that, West Indies will certainly try and give it their all, and ensure a respectable and to a tournament in which they have been largely outplayed. Their only victory so far has come against Thailand, with defeats to England and Pakistan ensuring they will have to try again in the next edition.

Head to head

On the whole, South Africa have been poor against West Indies in T20Is. In 17 matches, they’ve tasted victory just four times. However, this time, their respective form seems to be on a different tangent, and they’ll be keen to capitalise.

Key players

Lizelle Lee (South Africa): Lee is imperative in South Africa’s batting plans. She gives them quick starts, and is their top-scorer thanks to the century she scored against Thailand. South Africa, however, will want her firing in more important matches, and this dead-rubber might be used to spark some form in her.

Afy Fletcher (West Indies): West Indies’ batters have had a poor tournament, and with Taylor  no longer playing, their bowling has also lost significant skill. In Taylor’s absence, the bowling needs to be carried by Fletcher, who so far has taken three wickets and is the second-highest wicket-taker for the team after Taylor. More is expected.

Likely XIs

South Africa: Lizelle Lee, Dane van Niekerk (c), Marizanne Kapp, Mignon du Preez, Laura Wolvaardt, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Tirsha Chetty (wk), Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba

West Indies: Hayley Matthews, Deandra Dottin, Chinelle Henry, Shemaine Campbelle, Chedean Nation, Brittney Cooper, Lee-Ann Kirby, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Anisa Mohammed, Shakera Selman

Prediction

South Africa to win their fourth Group match.