ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2017 – Looking ahead to Day 13
Matches on Sunday, February 19
India v Pakistan, P Sara Oval
Sri Lanka v Bangladesh, Nondescripts Cricket Club
South Africa v Ireland, Colombo Cricket Club
Match in focus: Sri Lanka v Bangladesh
With a win over Ireland in its first Super Six game, Bangladesh has given itself a small chance of being one of the four sides that can make it to the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 in England. If it defeats Sri Lanka on Sunday by a considerable margin, it will be level on points with the home side, and if Pakistan also loses to India, it could be a three-way tie for the last two World Cup spots.
Bangladesh will have to beat Sri Lanka by 85 runs if it bats first. If it is chasing, it will have to do it really quick, depending on the target. For example, if Sri Lanka scores 200, Bangladesh will have to get to the target in 27.1 overs or less.
Bangladesh’s net run-rate suffered in its loss against India, and that will be its biggest concern. Its batters have been able to give a decent account of themselves, but will need to accelerate their scoring. Its spinners have been strong, but the tactic to dry up runs may not work against Sri Lanka, who is used to the conditions.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be disappointed at how it let a good start slip away against South Africa. The focus will be on the batters after a middle-order collapse, and it will also expect its fielders to lift their game. The team has rallied well, and with home support on its side, it will want to finish on a positive note.
Player in focus: Mona Meshram
India’s opener was a late addition to the squad, coming in after Smriti Mandhana was injured. She has made the most of her opportunity, however, with two ODI fifties. She made 55 against South Africa and an unbeaten 78 against Bangladesh that earned her a first player of the match award.
“It means a lot to me because I was not in the team for the past two years and made a comeback recently. It is important to be consistent. Pressure is always on, but it is very important to be calm and composed when it is about your country,” she said.
Meshram is from a family of volleyball players. The sport helped her develop strong arms, and that makes her a good choice for the outfield.
Where the teams stand:
Ahead of the last day of Super Six matches, India and South Africa have sealed their top two spot and will face off again in the final on Tuesday. Ireland is at the other end of the table, with two losses in two games in this round. The three other teams, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are looking to secure the final two spots available for the World Cup. A loss for Pakistan and Sri Lanka could see all three teams equal on points and it will come down to net run-rate. Pakistan, with its strong performance against Ireland, gave its NRR a boost, and Bangladesh will have to win big if it wants to deny Sri Lanka the last spot.
Quote of the day:
Sana Mir, Pakistan captain: “Our run-rate gives us a breather for our qualification campaign. We can go with confidence in the match against India, which has been doing well. Their bowlers, batters, everyone is contributing. It is going to take our A game to do an upset tomorrow. For now, we just want to do our basics right and play good, disciplined cricket.”
Number of note:
Javeria Khan needs three more runs to be the first batter in this tournament to get to 300 runs. Five batters have accumulated over 200 runs so far.