Time: March 22, 3:30 AM IST
Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington
Pitch Report
In three of four innings at Wellington this World Cup, we witnessed paltry scores. It, however, was a result of exceptional bowling from Australia. The pitch otherwise has enough for the batters to build a competitive total.
Teams
Probable XI for South Africa: Lizelle Lee, Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus (c), Mignon du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Trisha Chetty (wk), Shabnim Ismail, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka
Probable XI for Australia: Alyssa Healy (wk), Rachael Haynes, Meg Lanning (c), Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardner, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown
Fantasy Tips
We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Power Players
Rachel Haynes, the highest run-scorer of the season, has the highest score of 83 at the venue. She has been so consistent that her lowest score reads 30. She has been picked by over 80% of fantasy players in four of five games.
Marizanne Kapp has won the Player of the Match awards in consecutive games for her all-round skills. Her overall form this edition has been terrific, scoring 115 runs at 38 and taking 10 wickets at 17.
Ellyse Perry has smashed five fifties in seven ODIs against South Africa, averaging an unbelievable 127. She is also the joint-highest wicket-taker (12) for Australia against South Africa.
Ayabonga Khaka, along with Kapp, is the joint-highest wicket-taker, both averaging 17. Her average selection percentage is 86 in fantasy sports.
Laura Wolvaardt’s scores read 41, 75, 77, and 67. Need we say more?
Smart Picks
Meg Lanning rose to the occasion and scored a magnificent 97 in a tough chase against India. It was her second fifty in five games.
With 15 wickets in a mere six games, Sune Luus is the highest wicket-taker for South Africa against Australia. To make her case stronger, she has been stellar with the bat too: she has managed 174 runs in four games, including two fifties.
Lizelle Lee is the only centurion for South Africa against Australia. However, her recent scores (2, 9, 17) have affected her popularity among fantasy players.
Ashleigh Gardner has taken five wickets in less than 14 overs at the venue. Her off-spinners have been a tough task to deal with.
Shabnim Ismail has pocketed two three-wicket hauls in four games. Her ability to be productive with both new and old balls makes her a smart pick in fantasy teams.
Alana King has taken the bulk of the wickets (7) for Australia, but she is yet to find success at Wellington. She went wicketless against West Indies and did not bowl against New Zealand.
Alyssa Healy’s 72 off 65 threw India out of the contest. If South Africa do not trap her early, it will soon be a lost contest to them. It’s her aggression that has been setting the tone for Australia.
Match Preview
South Africa have never won an ODI against Australia in 14 attempts. However, both teams remain unbeaten in this tournament. While Australia’s all five wins have been comprehensive, South Africa emerged triumphant in the last over twice.
