The Women’s T20 World Cup gets underway on Friday with South Africa opening up the tournament against Sri Lanka. Despite a disrupted preparation, South Africa will be the heavy favourites for this match.
South Africa vs Sri Lanka | Women’s T20 World Cup | Friday 8 February 2023 | Newlands, Cape Town | 19:00
To Win Match
South Africa 17/100 | Tie 25/1 | Sri Lanka 17/4
Sune Luus has been charged with leading the team after the fitness test drama that ruled out regular skipper Dane van Niekerk.
The Proteas have played much of their recent T20 cricket without van Niekerk and still have a strong squad.
They will, however, be hopeful that Marizanne Kapp will be at her best, having been granted compassionate leave ahead of the tournament.
South Africa are a team in transition with this tournament the first in a long time to see Mignon du Preez and Lizelle Lee excluded.
The Proteas batting is built around grizzled young veteran Laura Wolvaardt who has 128 international appearances to her name at the age of 23.
Chamari Athapaththu is not only the skipper but also the undoubted leader of this Sri Lanka batting lineup as both their hurricane and their anchor.
Harshitha Samarawickrama will be the other top-order batter to watch among this new-look Sri Lanka team.
For Sri Lanka, this represents their best chance of making their mark on the tournament with a stunning win over the hosts.
How receptive Newlands is to spin could determine Sri Lanka’s fate with their bowling stars both being left-arm spinners in Inoka Ranaweera and Sugandika Kumari.
Verdict: South Africa 17/100
The Proteas have to win this match, and should rise to the occasion in front of an expectant Newlands.
