WI Women Open T20 WC With SA Clash

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 02: Laura Wolvaardt of South Africa and Hayley Matthews of West Indies pictured during the Captains’ Photocall prior to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 on October 02, 2024 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

West Indies Women take on South Africa in their opening match of the ICC T20 World Cup in Dubai, on Friday.

The Windies go into the match on the back of two defeats in their warm-up games. They suffered a 35-runs defeat against defending champions Australia on Wednesday, following the 20-runs loss against India on Sunday.

Coach of the West Indies, Shane Deitz, says despite the loses he has learned a lot about the team’s strengths and weaknesses.

Deitz says his players need to go into Friday’s game with a winning mentality.

The Caribbean women are the third most successful team in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup history.

They shocked the world when they beat Australia in the 2016 edition finals to become only the third team to lift the coveted title after England and Australia.

Deitz says the four-time semi-finalists will have to play a perfect game through the tournament if they hope to secure their second title.

Shane Deitz.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh open the tournament with a 16-run win over Scotland in Sharjah, on Thursday.

Batting first, Bangladesh made 119 for 7 off their 20 overs. Sobhana Mostary made 36, and Murshida Khatun, 29. Saskia Horley took 3 for 13 for Scotland.

In reply, Scotland made 103 for 7 off their 20 overs. Sarah Bryce top scored with an unbeaten 49.

Ritu Moni picked up two wickets.