In the ICC T20 World Cup 2023 semi-final match on Friday, South Africa shocked mighty England with a stunning six-run triumph. The ICC T20 World Cup 2023 final, which will take place on Sunday, will now feature Australia and South Africa.
South Africa overcame England in the round of 16, while Meg Lanning’s team defeated India in the semi-finals. Australia, the defending champions, will try to win their sixth T20 World Cup championship, while South Africa will want to dispel the reputation of being “chokers” by overcoming the hot favourites Australia.
Australia has a significant advantage against South Africa in their head-to-head record as well. The Aussies have defeated the Proteas 19 times in T20 matches, and this will be their 24th encounter in the shortest format of the game.
For the first time in the history of the World Cup, South Africa has made it to the final game. The Sune-Luus led a team that recovered from a shaky start to the World Cup and went on to win their final four matches.
The South African bowling has appeared fantastic with Marizanne Kap, Shabnim Ismail, and Nadine de Klerk all playing at their absolute best. Only Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt, though, have shown consistency with the willow, raising questions about their batting department. South Africa must play well in the final game if they hope to win their first T20I World Cup crown.
Australia, on the other hand, is thought to be the front-runner. In their semi-final match against India, Meg Lanning’s team rallied after it appeared they could lose. The batting and bowling units have combined flawlessly for the players like Meg Lanning, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, and Megan Schutt putting up their best work when it mattered most.
South Africa’s incapacity to manage pressure situations will likely be exploited by Australia if not taken care of minutely.
ICC T20 World Cup 2023: Australia vs South Africa, Final – Match Details, Live Streaming, When and Where To Watch
Date: February 26, 2023, 6:30 pm IST
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Live Streaming: Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar
ICC T20I World Cup 2023: Australia vs South Africa, Final – Pitch Report and Weather Forecast
In Cape Town, the tournament has observed fair playing conditions. Pacers have gotten a little bit of assistance with the pitch here. Big totals were scored by batters who were willing to put in the effort. As the game progresses, spinners are also expected to utilize their strengths to their fullest.
For cricket lovers, the good news is that there won’t be any rain when the game starts, even though there may be some cloud cover. During the match hours, the temperature will be in the 20s.
ICC T20I World Cup 2023: Australia vs South Africa, Final – Key Players
Australia:
Alyssa Healy – Although the keeper-batter hit her lowest score of the tournament on last Thursday but still managed to contribute 25 runs to her side. Looking at the track, she has been in excellent form throughout the tournament.
Meg Lanning – The skipper produced a typically well-paced inning in the semi-final. She finished unbeaten on 49 and will be relishing the opportunity to bat on the same pitch again.
Megan Schutt – Only Sophie Ecclestone has taken more wickets in the tournament than the experienced Australia pacer who will be looking forward to finishing things off at the summit.
South Africa:
Laura Wolvaardt – The 23-years old right-hand opener comes into the finals of this T20I World Cup in excellent form after hitting 66-not out and 53 at this same venue in her last two innings which solidifies the South African stance in the finals.
Tazmin Brits – The 32-years old grabbed away the Player of the Match after putting her team on the winning notch at the semi-finals with her outstanding 68-run knock and four significant catches. The Proteas expect her to lift the side one more time in the tournament.
Shabnim Ismail – The pace bowler was too quick on this pitch for some of England’s batters on Friday. She turned the game into the South African side with two astonishing wickets in three overs. South African fans are eyeing her for a similar performance.
ICC T20I World Cup 2023: Australia vs South Africa, Final – Head-to-head
After six victories in a row, Australia holds a perfect T20I cricket head-to-head record against South Africa. Australia has won all three of the games the two countries have played against each other in the T20 World Cup.
South Africa has struggled in T20I cricket against the Australians despite being a competitive team in the format. Australia’s women defeated South Africa’s women in their most recent meeting, which took place on February 18 at the Women’s World Cup 2023.
ICC T20I World Cup 2023: Australia vs South Africa, Final – Probable Playing XIs
Australia Playing XI: Alyssa Healy (wk), Beth Mooney, Meg Lanning (c), Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris, Georgia Wareham, Alana King, Mehan Schutt, Darcie Brown
South Africa Playing XI: Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus (c), Chloe Tryon, Delmi Tucker, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba
ICC T20I World Cup 2023: Australia vs South Africa, Final – Squads
Australia: Meg Lanning (c), Alyssa Healy (vc), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus (c), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Marizanne Kapp, Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Lara Goodall, Delmi Tucker, Masabata Klaas, Annerie Dercksen
ICC T20I World Cup 2023: Australia vs South Africa, Final – Dream11 Predictions
Wicketkeeper – BL Mooney, Alyssa Healy (c)
Batters – Laura Wolvaardt (vc), Tazmin Brits, Meg Lanning
All-rounders – Marizanne Kapp, Ashleigh Gardner, Ellyse Perry
Bowlers – Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Megan Schutt
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