Time: 5 Mar, 3.30 AM IST
Venue: University Oval, Dunedin
Pitch Report
The only time Dunedin hosted a T20I game, we saw 434 runs being scored for 15 wickets. If history is anything to go by, expect another batting-beauty wicket.
Teams
Probable XI for Bangladesh: Fargana Hoque, Nahida Akter, Rumana Ahmed, Sharmin Akhter, Fahima Khatun, Nigar Sultana (c & wk), Lata Mondal, Ritu Moni, Salma Khatun, Shamima Sultana/Murshida Khatun, Fariha Trisna
Probable XI for South Africa: Marizanne Kapp, Lara Goodall, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus (c), Chloe Tryon/Mignon du Preez, Shabnim Ismail, Trisha Chetty (wk), Masabata Klaas, Laura Wolvaardt, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nonkululeko Mlaba
Fantasy Tips
We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Power Players
Shabnim Ismail has taken 9 wickets in her last three ODIs. Her 4 for 12 against Bangladesh in 2012 remains the best bowling figures ever between the two nations. In addition, she is the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the format.
South Africa will rely on Ayabonga Khaka for regular breakthroughs. She was impressive (10 wickets in 4 games) in the recently concluded ODIs against the West Indies. Ayabonga also ended up with 5 wickets in the warm-up games.
Laura Wolvaardt was the highest run-scorer (171 in 4 innings) for South Africa in the home series against West Indies. Opening the batting, she also blasted 83 against India a few days ago.
Smart Picks
With 27 dismissals behind the stumps against Bangladesh, Trisha Chetty’s glovework can be a decisive factor in fantasy leagues.
100* by Mignon du Preez is the highest individual score by a player in the South Africa vs Bangladesh ODIs. With 3,599 runs at 33.3, she is also the highest run-scorer for South Africa in the format.
Marizanne Kapp is capable of getting useful runs in the middle order. She scored 52 and 32 in the warm-up matches.
Nigar Sultana will keep wickets and bat in the middle-order. Such cricketers often help fantasy players nudge ahead.
Nahida Akter is coming from a decent outing at the Commonwealth Games Qualifier, where she bagged 10 wickets in four matches. She also finished with 3 for 49 in the warm-up game against England.
South Africa will bank on the experience of Sune Luus. Her last three ODI scores read 47, 56, 46.
Although Bangladesh lost to Pakistan in the warm-up match, Fargana Hoque’s 71 impressed one and all. More will be expected of her going forward.
Not only can Ritu Moni be amongst the wickets at regular intervals but is also capable of getting some quick runs lower down the order.
Match Preview
Bangladesh will be making their debut at the World Cup. In their 17 previous meetings against South Africa, they have won only 2 and lost 15. When the two teams last met in a bilateral series in 2018, South Africa beat the tourists 5-0.