We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report
When Ireland bat, the pitch seems difficult to score runs on. When South Africa bat, the pitch seems difficult to take wickets on. The pitch otherwise has been equally good for batters and bowlers.
Teams
Probable XI for Ireland: Leah Paul, Gaby Lewis (c), Rachel Delaney, Mary Waldron (wk), Sophie MacMahon, Arlene Kelly, Sarah Forbes, Georgina Dempsey, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray, Alana Dalzell
Probable XI for South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt, Andrie Steyn, Lara Goodall, Sune Luus (c), Chloe Tryon, Delmi Tucker, Trisha Chetty (wk), Shabnim Ismail, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Raisibe Ntozakhe
Players to watch out for
Andrie Steyn’s last three ODI scores read 52, 21*, and 84*. Let’s make the numbers more interesting. She averages a whopping 71 against Ireland, and her only hundred in the format came against them.
From 66 for 4, Gaby Lewis and Sophie MacMahon lifted the score to 135 for 4. Lewis especially has been in top form since the T20Is. Barring the duck in the first ODI, her lowest score reads 29.
Lara Goodall started the tour with a duck, but what followed has been outstanding. Her last four scores read 52, 48, 32*, and 93*. The Ireland bowlers do not seem to have bothered her whatsoever.
Georgina Dempsey has taken a wicket and remained unbeaten in both games. It is her finishing skills that has kept Ireland in the hunt. The unbeaten 42 off 38 at No. 8 took Ireland to a respectable total. They might probably send her up the order.
Shabnim Ismail has registered consecutive three-wicket hauls. In her last 10 competitive games, she has gone wicketless only once.
Since Sune Luus started bowling again, she has been consistently taking wickets. She has taken 5 wickets in her last 3 games with her leg-spin.
Laura Wolvaardt scored a fine knock of 27 runs, finally getting the chance to shine. If South Africa bat first, she will get ample time to collect runs. All her three hundreds have come in the first innings.
Match Preview
Ireland have significantly improved in the batting department, but their bowling does not seem to have any impact on the visitors: South Africa have won the last two games by 9 wickets. Ireland bowlers will have to come up with a new plan and give their all to execute it.
Time: June 17, 3:15 PM IST