On Friday (28th February), during the Group B contests of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020, South Africa Women thrashed Thailand Women (by 113 runs) while England Women secured their crucial victory against Pakistan Women (by 42 runs).
South Africa Women vs Thailand Women
After winning the toss, South Africa Women decided to bat first and managed the big first innings total of 195/3 (20 overs). In reply, Thailand Women were bundled out for just 82 runs.
Though the Proteas captain Dane van Niekerk (2) lost her wicket cheaply, another opener Lizelle Lee and Sune Luus controlled that innings very well. They put the 131 runs partnership for the second wicket where Lee hit a 59-ball century and scored 101 off 60 balls (16 fours and 3 sixes). Luus also played the crucial knock of 61 not out off 41 balls (5 fours and 2 sixes). Moreover, Chloe Tryon scored 24 off 11 balls (only four and 2 sixes) at the last moment.
In reply, only Onnicha Kamchomphu (26) and Chanida Sutthiruang (13) managed to reach the double-digit scores at the chasing.
The stand-out South Africa Women bowlers were Shabnim Ismail (3/8) and Sune Luus (3/15) as both took three wickets each in the second innings of that match.
England Women vs Pakistan Women
Pakistan Women captain Bismah Maroof won the toss against England Women and decided to field first. While England Women managed to score 158/7 (20 overs), Pakistan Women replied with 116 runs before getting all out (19.4 overs).
English captain Heather Knight played the crucial knock in the first batting as she scored 62 runs off 47 balls (8 fours and only six). Also, Natalie Sciver (36) and Fran Wilson (22) scored some crucial runs in that innings.
Among the Pakistan Women bowlers, Aiman Anwer (3/30) picked up three wickets, and Nida Dar (2/43) got two wickets.
In reply, Pakistan Women were losing their wickets at regular intervals. Apart from the lower-middler-order batter Aliya Riaz (41), there were no strong fights from the other Pakistan batters.
England Women bowlers Anya Shrubsole (3/25) and Sarah Glenn (3/15) both got three wickets each in the second innings.