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ICC Women's World Cup team guide: Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies in part two

Sana Mir
Image: Sana Mir has 1,204 ODI runs to go with her 104 wickets

The ICC Women's World Cup begins on Saturday when England Women take on India Women, live on Sky Sports 2 and Sky Sports Mix.

But which team will take the tournament by storm? Who will fire with the bat? Who will impress with the ball? And who will win?

Here are some of the players to look out for in part two of our team guide. Click here to read part one, featuring Australia, England, India and New Zealand.

Live ICC Women's World Cup

Pakistan

In short… Under captain Sana Mir, Pakistan have improved dramatically in recent years at the same time as refreshing the team with younger players. However as they found out in their series in England last summer, where they were comprehensively beaten, the gulf at the top remains.

Top-scorer: Javeria Khan. A determined bat, Khan has become a more dominating force since recovering from a thumb injury in the 2016 World T20 that ruled her out of the tournament. Resolute innings at the top of the order from Khan are much-needed for Pakistan to progress.

Check out the full schedule for the 2017 ICC Women's World Cup here
Image: Check out the full schedule for the 2017 ICC Women's World Cup here

Wicket-taker: Sana Mir. Although most probably remembered in the future for her leadership over her bowling, Mir is without doubt the best bowler Pakistan possess, and is the only cricketer to pass 100 ODI wickets for her country. Big things are also hoped for from youngster Nashra Sandhu.

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One to watch: Bismah Maroof. An all-rounder of great potential, Maroof averages 46 with the bat in England in one-day cricket. Named as T20 skipper last year, Maroof has dealt with the new responsibilities by scoring the most runs for Pakistan in the time since.

Squad list: Asmavia Iqbal, Ayesha Zafar, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, Ghulam Fatima, Javeria Khan, Kainat Imtiaz, Marina Iqbal, Nahida Khan, Nain Abidi, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Yousuf, Sana Mir (c), Sidra Nawaz (wk), Waheeda Akhtar.

South Africa

In short… Forged around a core group of players that have grown up together, South Africa's resurgence over the last couple of years means they could cause an upset or two. Consistency is key if they are to prevail.

Top-scorer: Lizelle Lee. An explosive batter, opener Lee is already the leading six-hitter in South African women's cricket despite playing international cricket for only four years.

Wicket-taker: Marizanne Kapp. The number one ODI bowler in the world, Kapp has been at the forefront of South Africa's recent revival. Unerringly accurate with her medium pace bowling, Kapp knows how to perform with the ball when under pressure in the final overs. She's handy with the bat, too.

Marizanne Kapp
Image: Marizanne Kapp's all-round skills should not be under-estimated

One to watch: Sune Luus. Just 21 years old and yet vital to South Africa's chances of success, legspinning all-rounder Luus has made a huge impact since bursting onto the scene five years ago. Out of the 12 named in the ICC's 2016 Women's Team of the Year, she was the only South African included.

Squad list: Trisha Chetty (wk), Moseline Daniels, Nadine de Klerk, Mignon du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Shabnim Ismail, Lizelle Lee, Sune Luus, Raisibe Ntozhake, Andrie Steyn, Chloe Tryon, Dane van Niekerk (c), Laura Wolfvaardt.

Sri Lanka

In short… The lowest-ranked side in the tournament, Sri Lanka will consider a top-six finish as progress. While other teams have developed since the last World Cup, Sri Lanka have slipped, winning just once in their last 20 matches against opposition above them in the rankings. A newly created national development squad is aimed to aright those problems, but the move has come too early for this competition.

Top-scorer: Chamaris Atapattu. The last time Atapattu played England in a World Cup match she put on more than 100 for the first wicket and set the foundations for a historic Sri Lankan one-wicket win. Her form hasn't been as favourable since, but the 27-year-old is still a formidable batter and competitor.

Shashikala Siriwardene
Image: Shashikala Siriwardene's return has bolstered Sri Lanka

Wicket-taker: Shashikala Siriwardene. Back in the squad having not played following the World T20, the experienced former captain Siriwardene is nonetheless the most dangerous bowler in the side. A canny off-spinner with good change of pace and flight, Siriwardene will be vital in breaking up partnerships.

One to watch: Sripali Weerakkody. Due to the bowling attack primarily composed of spinners, Sri Lanka will need their seamers to utilise the English conditions if they are to have any chance of winning a game. Step forward, Weerakkody.

Squad list: Chamari Atapattu, Chandima Gunaratne, Nipuni Hansika, Eshani Lokusuriyage, Ama Kanchana, Harshitha Madhavi, Dilani Manodara, Hasini Perera, Chamari Polgampola, Udeshika Prabodani, Oshadhi Ranasinghe, Inoka Ranaweera (c), Shashikala Siriwardene, Prasadani Weerakkody (wk), Sripali Weerakkody

West Indies

In short… After breaking the Australia, England and New Zealand monopoly to become just the fourth side to win a major tournament when they were victorious in the World T20 last year, the West Indies will feel they can cause another upset here. If they do, it would prove a greater achievement.

Top-scorer: Stafanie Taylor. From slow accumulative beginnings, Taylor has flourished into a multi-purpose batter, able to absorb pressure and unleash a range of destructive shots with equal relish. She also likes playing in England, scoring the most runs in last season's inaugural Kia Super League and being named player of the tournament.

KOLKATA, WEST BENGAL - APRIL 03:  Stafanie Taylor of the West Indies bats during the Women's ICC World Twenty20 India 2016 Final between Australia and the
Image: Stafanie Taylor's performances are crucial to West Indies title hopes

Wicket-taker: Anisa Mohammed. The first bowler, male or female, to reach 100 T20I wickets, Mohammed has been one of the best spinners in the game over the past decade and will benefit from three matches on a spinning track at Taunton. Expect all-rounder Deandra Dottin to chip in with wickets too, if back fit from an injury sustained in the Big Bash.

One to watch: Stafanie Taylor. There really isn't much the West Indies captain can't do, which is why she's the current number one ODI all-rounder. A clever bowler, Taylor will prove pivotal with the ball during the middle overs. Yet it is her batting at number three that makes her such an influential player. If she does well, expect the Windies to follow suit.

Squad list: Merissa Aguilleira (wk), Reniece Boyce, Shamilia Connell, Shanel Daley, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Qiana Joseph, Kyshona Knight, Hayley Matthews, Anisa Mohammed, Chedean Nation, Akeira Peters, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor (c), Felicia Walters.

Watch the ICC Women's World Cup with Sky Sports, starting with England Women against India Women on Sky Sports 2 and Sky Sports Mix from 10am on Saturday.

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