Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
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Image credit: Getty Images |
Australia and India have played two games in the Women’s World T20 showpiece, and England begin their campaign now.
A washed out game against Sri Lanka realistically represents one point lost, given the difference in the strength of the two sides on paper. Once again, St Lucia is expected to have heavy downpours, which has forced thoughts of shifting St Lucia games to Antigua, with England the unlucky party.
Will there be enough play to force a result, and significantly, can Bangladesh put on a much better showing with the bat?
Key to an England win
England are one of the favourites in the tournament, and will be itching to get out onto the field to show us why. With heavyweights Australia and India playing two games already, England need to get into their groove quickly.
Can England’s batsmen start well in their quest for a first World T20 Title since 2009? Skipper Heather Knight leads a powerful batting line up on paper, which includes strong hitters in Danielle Wyatt, Tammy Beaumont and Natalie Sciver. Against a Bangladesh side that bowled very well against the West Indies, it is important England are not complacent, and focus well on keeping the scoreboard ticking.
Also, England’s bowling attack didn’t perform at their best in the warm up game against India, which seems a while ago. But, this Bangladesh batting line up is there for the taking, after getting knocked over for 46 in their tournament opener against West Indies. Jenny Gunn, Anya Shurbsole, Danielle Hazell and Sophie Ecclestone make up an experienced bowling attack, and against a side that is struggling in the batting department, the ruthless, accurate bowling the Windies (especially Deandra Dottin) displayed will be the order of the day.
Key to a Bangladesh win
It was an incredible game of two halves for Bangladesh in their tournament opener against West Indies. With the ball and in the their catching, Bangladesh displayed the intensity and belief that was reflective of a side desperate to get their first ever win in a World T20 game.
But, as was the fear leading up to the tournament, their batting was a major letdown. The extras count of seven was Bangladesh’s second top scorer, behind only to Fargana Hoque’s eight. Hoque will be key in this game, and so too the likes of Ayasha Rahman and Rumana Ahmed, who need to hold the innings together to give themselves a chance.
Can Bangladesh’s spinners, in conjunction with Jahanara Alam, bowl well again, this time backed up by a fighting batting effort?
Possible teams:
England: 1. Danielle Wyatt, 2. Tammy Beaumont, 3. Natalie Sciver, 4. Heather Knight (c), 5. Amy Jones (wk), 6. Lauren Winfield, 7. Sophie Dunkley, 8. Anya Shrubsole, 9. Jenny Gunn, 10. Sophie Ecclestone, 11. Danielle Hazell
Bangladesh: 1. Shamima Sultana (wk), 2. Ayasha Rahman, 3. Fargana Hoque, 4. Salma Khatun (c), 5. Rumana Ahmed, 6. Sanjida Islam, 7. Nigar Sultana, 8. Jahanara Alam, 9. Lata Mondal, 10. Khadija Tul Kubra, 11. Fahima Khatun
Stats and Facts
- England are ranked third in T20I cricket, Bangladesh ninth.
- Extras (seven) was Bangladesh’s second highest scorer against West Indies.
Prediction
If the rain allows a result, I see only one winner.
England.
Thanks for reading!