Match 22 of the ICC U-19 T20 World Cup will see England face Rwanda in their final group game. England currently sits firmly at the top of Group B with two comfortable wins against Zimbabwe and Pakistan, therefore confirming their qualification for the next round The Super Six. Although their net run rate puts them in a firm position, a win here in Potchefstroom would confirm Rwanda a place in the next round.
Rwanda played their last encounter against Zimbabwe at the North-West University Oval, recording an emphatic victory that saw them pace their way to victory after a double hat-trick from right-arm pacer Henriette Ishimwe. Spin remains a powerful weapon in the women’s game regardless of the surface and continues to be a weapon England is loaded up with, their spinners taking 12 of their 15 wickets so far this tournament. Their batting lineup also remains something to be desired, scoring 355 runs in their past two games.
Rwanda, also has a firm bowling attack, especially in the pace department with continued quality from previously mentioned Henriette Ishimwe as well as economical wicket-taker, superstar batter and skipper, Gisele Ishimwe who they will need to utilize if they plan to break down this England batting and bowling attack.
VENUE – North-West University Oval, Potchefstroom Time – 10:00 (Local)/08:00 GMT
ENGLAND – This England team has hit this competition with a huge bang and continues to be a force to be reckoned with. There is little to fault with their batting lineup with runs being scored down the order consistently and their well-rounded, accurate spin attack is on a whole new level. The domestic structure in England is on their side with many players in the team holding Hundred experience as well as valuable experience within their regions at a senior level, putting them at an advantage compared to their competitors within their group, evident from their form so far this tournament.
PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR –
Grace Scrivens – Skipper Grace Scrivens rise in domestic cricket has proven she is one to look out for, picking up ALL of the end of season awards for her regional team Sunrisers following an emphatic campaign. The 19-year-old all-rounder has proven to be impactful with ball and bat in hand. Her off-spin option has provided England 5 wickets in the first two games of the tournament and her powerful batting hasn’t been any less impressive with 69 runs from two innings including twelve 4’s. It is safe to say we really do have a star on our hands.
Charis Pavely – All-rounder Charis Pavely provides a confident game with both bat and ball. Despite not being used as a bowler yet this tournament her economical left-arm spin remains an option, picking up a wicket in the warmup games. Her performance with the bat has been mightily impressive, scoring 45 from just 26 balls in the game vs Zimbabwe, including six fours and a massive 6! Her fielding skills also remain a powerful trait, providing two catches and a run out so far. The Worcestershire young star remains one to watch heading into the final group game of the tournament.
Seren Smale – Despite missing out on selection for the 1st game vs Zimbabwe, Thunder’s Seren Smale is not one to sleep on. Not to be confused with teammate Sophia Smale, the opening batter helped England to a total of 156 in their game vs Pakistan after a wary start from England, scoring 37 from 33 including six 4s. Her run-scoring ability has always been highly notable, scoring 672 runs in the regional academy friendlies, the highest of any batter. It’s safe to say, the future is bright for this young star.
RWANDA – The Rwandan team has taken entertainment to a whole new level this tournament. Despite a loss in their first group game vs Pakistan, they bounced back quickly, recording an emphatic victory vs Zimbabwe just 2 days later. Their overall skill with the bat and ball is undeniable and solid performances have been on display from their higher order, but the inconsistent single figures further down remain an issue for the side, putting them at high risk later in their innings. Their economical spin and pace bowling attack is one of the key strengths they hold and one they will look to utilize in this final group game.
PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR –
Henriette Ishimwe – The medium pacer's skill has been known long before this tournament, she remains the most capped player for Rwanda along with Sarah Uwera and has the second most T20I wickets for her nation with thirty-three to her name. This tournament has been the long-awaited stage for her to display her talents to the world. With 1/12 from the first game vs Pakistan and a double hat-trick that has wowed the cricketing world in game 2 vs Zimbabwe she truly has lived up to the hype. Her economical bowling will prove to be crucial if Rwanda wishes to break down England’s strong batting attack.
Giselle Ishimwe – The Rwandan skipper has created a strong platform for herself over the years, being the youngest player to ever represent Rwanda in T20I at only 14-years-old. Her powerful batting proves to be crucial for this side, scoring 74 over their first two games. Her height also proves to be a benefit when it comes to her bowling. The right-arm pacer has been extremely economical so far and has the official added prize of being a constant wicket-taker. This youngster certainly has a long and victory-studded path ahead of her.
Cynthia Tuyizere – The right-handed opening batter has been key to this Rwanda team throughout their first two games. Scoring 20 in the first and 30 in the second she has continued to create a firm platform for her teammates to stand on. However, her running between the wickets has led to her downfall in both previous games, getting run out on both occasions. Her ability to strike the ball will always be on her side however and the youngster is certainly a gem who is nearing her full potential and being in this U19 World Cup will certainly help her flourish.