Following their dominant win over Pakistan, Australia have all but confirmed their spot in the Semi-finals of the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, but India still need to win to make it to the final four, and Harmpanpreet Kaur and Co have a golden opportunity against an injury-hit Australian squad.
Ahead of the game, here are our preview and predictions.
The six-time champions have dominated all their three games so far, and the signs are ominous for the challengers. Megan Schutt has been brilliant with the new ball up front, not only providing the early breakthroughs but being economical as well. She has been ably supported by the likes of Ashleigh Gardner, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, and Sophie Molineux.
With the bat, in a tournament where runs have been hard to come by, Australia have been the only team looking comfortable as a batting unit. In their opening game, Beth Mooney made sure there were no hiccups chasing a paltry 94 against Sri Lanka, and it was Alyssa Healy, Mooney, and Ellyse Perry helping the Aussies set up an above-average score 148 against New Zealand. Against Pakistan, Mooney and Healy helped the side romp to a nine-wicket win, though Healy sustained a foot injury in the game and will be a matter of concern for the Australians going forward.
India, on the other hand, started with a disappointing loss to New Zealand before bouncing back strongly against Asian rivals Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Renuka Singh and Arundhati Reddy have been the brightest stars for India with the ball, with Reddy being key for Kaur to get breakthroughs. Shreyanka Patil and Deepti Sharma have not only been tight in the spin department but have chipped in regularly with wickets as well. They, along with Asha Sobhana, will be crucial for India.
With the bat, Smriti Mandhana finally got among the runs after failing against New Zealand and Pakistan. Shafali Verma has been getting starts as well, though the management will want the young star to up the ante, especially given how tough it has been to bat in the UAE this time round. Harmanpreet Kaur has been India’s most consistent batter in the tournament.
Taking place in Sharjah, where runs have been incredibly hard to come by, the toss will be key. Given that India have not played a game here yet, while Australia have played two, the six-time World Cup champions will hold the advantage even without their captain. There is enough firepower in the Aussie squad to keep their unbeaten run going.
Smriti Mandhana, Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, Harmanpreet Kaur, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Deepti Sharma, Renuka Singh, Arundhati Reddy, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland
Venue: Sharjah
Winners Prediction: Australia
Also read: ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Sponsors
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