New Delhi: A cursory glance at the winners list of the Women’s T20 World Cup shows how dominant Australia have been on the tournament, winning six of its eight editions.
So it’s a no-brainer that the three-time defending champions would be the team to beat in the ninth edition of the tournament that will be held in the UAE from October 3.
Though they will have to give a good account of themselves as they are several teams who have the potential to win the competition.
A look at the top four contenders to win the tournament where 10 teams have ben divided into two groups with group matches in round robin format.
The top two finishing teams from each group will then qualify for the semi-finals, the winners of which will meet in the final on October 20.
Australia
Despite Meg Lanning’s retirement, Australia remain the top title contender as they have supreme depth in both batting and bowling.
The team will be skippered by Alyssa Healy with new members of the team expected to share greater responsibility.
They are not expected to be short on confidence with the form of Beth Moooney key to their fortunes. She will demand support Phoebe Litchfield and Grace Harris and others to post big scores as they have a long batting line-up.
Having several all-rounders give them the required room to adapt and adjust to match situations and though other teams have improved, it remains Australia’s team to lose.
India
A cruel stroke of luck denied India entry in the final last year as Harmanpreet Kaur’s bat stuck in the turf as he got run out against South Africa.
But the heartbreak in Capetown has only strengthened the team’s resolve and though they lost to Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final, India are right on top of the list of teams who could dethrone Australia.
Indian players went through strenuous camps as part of their preparation that will revolve around the form of their top six batters. Led by Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, India’s batters are capable of taking down any bowling attack.
Their bowling unit will depend on the early wicket taking ability of Renuka Singh while the spinners in Deepti Sharma and her spin partner Radha Yadav could be handy in the slow turning tracks in the UAE.
England
England have nicely warmed up to the tournament with series against Pakistan, New Zealand and Ireland that gave them valuable game time ahead of the marquee event.
It also enabled Heather Knight’s team to try out different combinations and see how players respond when put under pressure.
“We are clear about how we want to do things and how we want to play,” Knight told the ICC. “We have prepared the best we can and feel in a great spot.”
“I’m really excited by the squad we have selected for the tournament in the UAE. We’ve got a lot of bases covered and over the last year, everyone in the squad has stepped up at some point to put in brilliant performances to help the team win games of cricket.
England are yet to lift the trophy since their win in the inaugural edition in 2009. Knight would believe this is their time.
South Africa
After their 19-run loss to Australia in last year’s final, South Africa would believe they are well placed to have a crack at the title this time.
With captain Laura Wolvaadart leading their lines and all-rounder Marizanne Kapp’s huge experiences in t20 franchise leagues around the world, expect South Africa to have a real shot at glory.
The ninth edition of the Women’s World Cup will be held in the UAE from October 3. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
