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Fantasy Preview: Batters and all-rounders, the safest bets

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Last updated on 23 Feb 2023 | 07:09 PM
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Fantasy Preview: Batters and all-rounders, the safest bets

Here are a few tips that could help you create your fantasy XI for the second Semi-final between England-W and South Africa-W

Australia Women’s are the first finalists of the 2023 edition of the T20 World Cup. That was expected. But, there were few moments where India had the chance, but the pressure got the better out of them. On Friday, the other finalists will also be confirmed.

The contenders from the second Semi-final, the hosts South Africa, and the unbeaten England. The word unbeaten is enough to say, the form England players are in. However, the Proteas have blown hot and cold this season.

The host fell short by three runs against Sri Lanka in the opener, suffering an unexpected loss. They bounced back strongly against New Zealand, and then were humbled by Australia in the third. In the all-important fourth match, South Africa attained a 10-wicket confidence boosting victory.

Heading into the Semi-final, their record against the opposition or in the knockout stages of the marquee event, isn’t something they would be proud of. This is the third time South Africa are in the Semis. In both the previous encounters, they had lost the match.

England have a massive psychological advantage. England have lost only one match out of the five they have played. Against the opponents, their only defeat was in 2020, the remaining three, they won comprehensively.   

Ground details

Throughout this edition, New Lands, Cape Town, has been the most batting friendly wicket. Teams have scored at a run rate of 7.1, and have averaged 24.8, by fair margin the best. Teams batting first have scored 151 runs on an average.

Spinners have been more successful at New Lands in this edition. Out of the 97 wickets bagged by bowlers, 61 have belonged to the spinners and 36 to the pacers. In terms of strike rate as well, spinners have dominated. The tweakers have bagged a wicket every 21.3 balls as compared to 28.8 balls by pacers.

In terms of results, there isn’t anything to differentiate. In 10 matches, five have been won by teams batting first and as many while chasing.

Suggested Team

While you could go for the above team, you can also choose your team from Cricket.com’s Fantasy Research Centre. You can use this tool to build your team with the help of algorithms. Then, based on your preferences, the platform will guide you through creating the ideal fantasy XI.

Captaincy suggestions

For small leagues: Nat Sciver-Brunt (capt), Marizanne Kapp (vice-capt)

For grand leagues: Sophie Ecclestone (capt), Alice Capsey (vice-capt)

Stats that matter

-In this edition of the World Cup, South Africa bowlers conceded at an economy of 4.2 in the first six overs. They have picked up eight wickets at a balls/wicket ratio of 18. Both are the best for a team in this edition

-On the other hand, England batters have scored at a run rate of 9.1 in this phase. They have scored a boundary every 4.1 balls in the first six overs. No other team has a run rate above 7.5 or a balls/boundary ratio lower than 5.5.

-England spinners in this edition, have picked up a wicket every 14.2 balls, which is the best among all teams. Their bowling average of 12.7 and economy of 5.4 is also the best.

-South Africa pacers have conceded at an economy of 5.65, the best among the lot. They have bagged a wicket every 19.4 balls, only Australia (15.6) and New Zealand (17.2) pacers have a better balls/wicket ratio.

-In her first three editions of the T20 WC, Sciver-Brunt had scored only 213 runs in 15 innings at an average of 17.75 and a strike rate of 101.9. But, in the last two editions, she has scored 378 runs in eight innings at an average of 75.6 and a strike rate of 127.3. She has five 50+ scores in those eight innings.

Grand league punts

-Ecclestone in this edition has bagged eight wickets at an average of 7.6and a bowling strike rate of 12. She is the joint second-highest wicket taker in this WC. In four innings, she has two three-wicket hauls. Adding to that, against South Africa, she has a great record. In eight innings, she has 11 wickets at a bowling strike rate of 17.4.

-Capsey might not have had a big score to her name, but she has been amongst the runs. In this edition, she has scored 73 runs at a whopping strike rate of 158.7. Out of those 73, 68 have come in the powerplay at a strike rate of 161.9. Among batters who have faced 30+ balls in this phase, her strike rate is the best.

Here are the top 10 criclytics projection

Probable XI

England Probable XI: Danni Wyatt, Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Knight (c), Amy Jones (wk), Sophie Ecclestone, Katherine Sciver-Brunt, Sarah Glenn, Charlie Dean, Lauren Bell

South Africa Probable XI: Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus (c), Chloe Tryon, Anneke Bosch, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Shabnim Ismail, Ayabhonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba

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