The opening match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will feature a face-off between Bangladesh Women and Scotland Women. This game is scheduled to take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting tournament, originally set to be hosted in Bangladesh from October 3 to October 20, the tournament was relocated to the United Arab Emirates due to political unrest in Bangladesh. Despite the venue change, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) retains the hosting rights, ensuring the country’s deep involvement in the competition. Bangladesh, in particular, will be eager to make a strong statement after their underwhelming performance in the previous World Cup edition. Meanwhile, Scotland enters this tournament with the added pressure and excitement of competing in their first-ever ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

Bangladesh: Redemption on the horizon

The Bangladesh Women’s team comes into this tournament with something to prove after a disappointing performance in the previous World Cup. Leading the charge is their captain, Nigar Sultana, a talented wicketkeeper-batter who was Bangladesh’s highest run-scorer in the last edition. Sultana’s experience and consistency will be pivotal for her team’s success, especially on the slow pitches of the UAE. Another key player for Bangladesh is Rabeya Khan, a promising bowling all-rounder who made her international debut at just 17. Her leg-break bowling will be crucial on the spin-friendly surfaces, making her one of the most important weapons in Bangladesh’s arsenal.

Scotland: First World Cup appearance

For Scotland Women, this tournament represents a historic opportunity as it marks their debut in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Leading the team is Kathryn Bryce, the all-rounder ranked 8th in the ICC Women’s T20I All-Rounder Rankings. Bryce’s versatile skills with both bat and ball make her the cornerstone of Scotland’s campaign. She will be expected to deliver consistent performances to give her side a fighting chance. Alongside her, Abtaha Maqsood, a talented off-spinner, will play a key role in the bowling department. Known for her ability to take crucial wickets, especially during the middle overs, Maqsood’s contributions will be vital if Scotland is to make a strong impression in their maiden World Cup appearance.

Women’s T20I World Cup 2024: BD-W vs SCO-W

Date and Time: October 3: 10:00 am GMT/2:00 pm Local/ 3:30 pm IST
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

Sharjah Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium is well-known for its unique characteristics, particularly its short boundaries and typically slow pitch, which present a distinct challenge for both batters and bowlers. The pitch, often lacking in pace, can make stroke play difficult, but the proximity of the boundaries frequently results in high-scoring games. This combination of factors encourages teams to adopt strategic approaches, especially when it comes to the toss. Captains who win the toss often prefer to bowl first, taking advantage of their understanding of the conditions. By opting to chase, they can assess the surface

BD-W vs SCO-W Dream11 Prediction Picks:

Wicketkeeper: Nigar Sultana
Batters: Murshida Khatun, Sobhana Mostary, Saskia Horley
All-rounders: Ritu Moni, Kathryn Bryce, Shorna Akter
Bowlers: Nahida Akter, Abtaha Maqsood, Rachel Slater, Rabeya Khan

Also READ: ICC announces an all-female umpiring panel for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in UAE

BD-W vs SCO-W Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:

Choice 1: Nigar Sultana (c), Kathryn Bryce (vc)
Choice 2: Rabeya Khan (c), Abtaha Maqsood (vc)

BD-W vs SCO-W Dream11 Prediction Backups:

Sarah Bryce, Priyanaz Chatterji, Sultana Khatun, Jahanara Alam

BD-W vs SCO-W Dream11 Team for today’s match (October 3, 2024, 10:00 am GMT):

BD-W vs SCO-W, Dream11 Team (Screengrab: Dream11)

Squads:

Scotland Women: Saskia Horley, Sarah Bryce (wk), Kathryn Bryce (c), Darcey Carter, Priyanaz Chatterji, Lorna Jack, Katherine Fraser, Rachel Slater, Chloe Abel, Hannah Rainey, Abtaha Maqsood, Ailsa Lister, Abbi Aitken Drummond, Megan McColl, Olivia Bell

Bangladesh Women: Shathi Rani, Dilara Akter, Sobhana Mostary, Nigar Sultana (wk/c), Taj Nehar, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Sultana Khatun, Marufa Akter, Nahida Akter, Jahanara Alam, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Murshida Khatun, Disha Biswas

Also READ: Bangladesh’s best XI for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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