It’s the last match of the group stage and the semifinalists from Group B haven’t yet been decided, with the England-West Indies clash set to provide a clear picture. West Indies need a victory to get through to the semifinal, and they could also finish at the top of the group considering their superior net run rate. South Africa will be hoping for a West Indies defeat, or a big loss for England that could impact the NRR of the Heather Knight-led team drastically and push them to third. Whatever the outcome, it is a high-stakes match in Dubai.
England have been undefeated so far in the competition and will look to continue in the same vein to ensure they enter the semis for the seventh successive time. Bangladesh ran them close in the first match but since then, England have been clinical, overcoming South Africa comfortably before breezing past Scotland as they chased down 110 with 10 wickets in hand and 10 overs to spare. The likes of Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Maia Bouchier have led their batting effort while all their bowlers have delivered as they enter this game as a well-oiled machine, with all departments functioning like clockwork.
West Indies have done well too after losing their first match against South Africa by 10 wickets. They took 11.4 overs to finish off a 100-run chase against Scotland, followed by an equally brisk chase against Bangladesh as they raced to a target of 104 in 12.5 overs. Captain Hayley Matthews didn’t click with the bat in the first two matches but her 22-ball 34 against Bangladesh marked her return to form. The experienced Deandra Dottin has been amongst the runs and will have an important role to play in the key clash against England. Among the bowlers, spinners Afy Fletcher and Karishma Ramharack have done a good job for West Indies and will be crucial as the Caribbean side seek their first semifinal entry since 2018.
When: Match 20, Tuesday, October 15 at 6:00 PM Local Time
Where: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
What to expect: This will be England’s first game in Dubai in this World Cup, which may give West Indies a slight edge as they have played two matches here. In the last three games here, chasing sides have won twice while New Zealand’s first innings total of 110 against Pakistan, which they defended, is the highest first-innings total. Bowlers are expected to have a major say in this match as well.
