ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: Match 3 Match Preview and Predictions

South Africa and the West Indies kick off their campaign in Group B as the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup arrives at Dubai.

As the Proteas and Windies gear up to face each other, here’s our match preview.

Women’s T20 WC 2024 Match 3: South Africa vs West Indies | 15:30 IST, October 4

Coming into this World Cup, there are no clear tournament favourites; it’s up for grabs with five-six teams being in the mix, two of whom are South Africa and the West Indies, and they kick off their campaign against each other. 

Both teams are coming off two losses in their warm-up games. South Africa’s batting will be under the spotlight after collapsing in both their warm-up games. Ayabonga Khaka was the only positive sign with the ball, picking up a five-wicket haul against India. The Proteas have a ton of experience, though, in the likes of captain Laura Wolvaardt, Suné Luus, and Tazmin Brits. 

The Windies, meanwhile, also lost both their warm-up games, going down to Australia and India. Like South Africa, they haven’t been firing with the bat, though Haley Matthews was handy with both bat and ball during the warm-ups and the experienced Chinelle Henry got some crucial runs against India. Aaliyah Alleyne and Afy Fletcher have been among the wickets as well. 

The Dubai ground doesn’t generally see a lot of runs scored, while the bowlers of both sides will be looking forward to its pitch. There is barely anything to differentiate the two teams. However, given the conditions, we give the West Indies the edge for this encounter.

Fantasy XI: Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, Qiana Joseph, Hayley Matthews, Shemaine Campbelle, Chinelle Henry, Sune Luus, Nadine de Klerk, Tumi Sekhukhune, Afy Fletcher, Ayabonga Khaka

Venue: Dubai
Winners Prediction: West Indies

Also read: ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Sponsors