SA W VS WI W MATCH 3

The ICC Women's T20 World Cup is already underway, and in Match 3, we have a showdown between two powerhouses - former champions West Indies Women and last edition’s runners-up, South Africa Women. Both teams are hungry for victory and determined to make their mark early. West Indies Women enter the contest after a mixed run - they struggled in the warm-ups but showed resilience in their recent series win against Sri Lanka Women. All eyes will be on their captain, Hayley Matthews, the world’s number-one all-rounder, who stands tall as their leader and match-winner. The return of the legendary Deandra Dottin adds firepower to both their batting and bowling. While the middle order seems inexperienced, this match presents the perfect stage for players like Shemaine Alteia Campbelle and Chedean Nation to rise. In the bowling department, spin could be key, and Karishma Ramharack may just be the game-changer. The all-round prowess of Afy Fletcher and Aaliyah Alleyne will also be vital in controlling the middle overs. South Africa Women are also coming off a tough warm-up where in the game against the Kiwis, they were bundled out for just 92, but showed their class by winning their last T20I series against Pakistan. The Proteas came heartbreakingly close to glory in the previous World Cup and are fired up to go all the way this time. Laura Wolvaardt is in sensational form and will be pivotal at the top. The likes of Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, and Chloe Tryon add immense balance to the side, with Kapp being a proven match-winner - both with the ball, where she took 9 wickets in the last edition, and with the bat. Their bowling unit, led by the express pace of Ayabonga Khaka and the spin of Nonkululeko Mlaba, looks strong, with Tumi Sekhukhune also emerging as a key wicket-taker. South Africa Women have the upper hand, having won three of their last four encounters against the Windies. But the Caribbean side is not to be underestimated, especially with Matthews and Dottin on their side. This is set to be a thrilling contest - let’s see who draws first blood!