Major Impact Players for 2022 World Cup – Part 2
Seam and swing bowling upfront will play a major role here, therefore if I won the toss I would not hesitate to bowl first. Some would ask why? In the last four International series played between South Africa, Australia, England and India in New Zealand showed that 12 out 14 ODI’s had the team batting first losing the match. I also had a quick look at the Women’s State League but a few matches were abandoned due to rain, there was almost a 50% split, 8 to 7 in favor of bowling first, therefore I would hopefully win the toss and send in the opposition to bat first.
So who do I feel will play a major role in the bowling department? There are a few obvious choices but I want to highlight just a handful.
Ellyse Perry has something to prove or does she? Not sure why so many are saying so because for me she has always been a top class cricketer but like all great sports people the desire to be the best and show everyone why she is the best will drive her to succeed in this tournament. Personally for me Marizanne Kapp tips her just a little bit- those who know me will say I am totally biased and … I agree, I am.
Ayabonga Khaka goes about her business quietly (the ‘Silent Assassin’). She showed in the series against New Zealand that she adapted quicker out of the world class seam attack South Africa has. She had the better figures in the series, taking wickets at key moments for her team.
England are going to have a problem in their bowling attack unless Anya Shrubsole can be at her best. Her ability to swing it both ways will be key for England but that means she has to get on to the park.
Amelia Kerri is not a seam bowler but as far as the New Zealand team goes, she is hitting the upturn in her playing career. She’s making runs and taking wickets at will. If New Zealand get to the final or win the World Cup, she would most definitely have played a major role in it.
One thing I do need to point out with regards to the pre-warm up matches. Whether a team lost or won doesn’t mean much, more important are individual performances on the day. Harmanpreet Kaur got a solid hundred under the belt, this is great for her as she has had a very poor run over the past few years. Suné Luus was another stand out performance which will give her a huge amount of confidence.
The Pakistan team showed the world they are in the World Cup to compete and not to be taken lightly. I am hopeful that Bangladesh also has a good tournament, they might not win many games but on an individual level if some of the players perform it could mean some invitations to a few international tournaments like the WBBL or The Hundred.
Some batting units showed that they can chase big scores if needed. New Zealand versus Australia and South Africa getting close to the Indian team’s 244. Pakistan batting line up ended up playing a legendary innings to chase down New Zealand’s score. All in All, some really good performances.
My final thoughts are that there will be a match result that will impact heavily on the top 4 final positions and I have a sneaky suspicion that come the last game between India and South Africa that the result will knock out a major team.
I want to wish all the teams the best of luck but my heart will always be with the Momentum Proteas and I have every faith in them that come April the 3rd they will be lifting the trophy.
