The much-envied hegemony of Australia is more likely to proceed however a bunch of groups, led by India and England, will harbour hopes of breaking it when the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup begins on Friday.
Packed with confirmed performers, Australia have lifted the trophy 5 instances in seven editions. They have hardly been challenged within the format since profitable the final T20 World Cup in 2020.
In the final 22 months, they’ve misplaced only one T20 and that defeat got here in opposition to India away from dwelling through a Super Over.
The defending champions will little doubt begin as favourites as soon as once more and can intention for a second hat-trick of titles, which will probably be a record-extending sixth trophy.
The return of skipper Meg Lanning after a break is an enormous increase for the holders. Star wicketkeeper batter Alyssa Healy, who’s again after a calf damage, additionally appears to have shrugged off the rust which makes the facet much more harmful.
The crew’s largest energy is its depth in batting with loads of large hitters like Lanning, Healy, Ellyse Perry and Tahlia McGrath adorning the line-up.
Experienced pacer Megan Schutt will spearhead the bowling division which has loads of spinners to select from.
All-rounder Ashleigh Gardner has additionally been in stellar kind. An influence-hitter down the order, the 25-year-old is the go-to individual for skipper Lanning when Australia are in want of a wicket.
However, the hard-fought collection in opposition to India and the loss within the heat up match in opposition to Ireland exhibits that Australia too might be defeated and the likes of India, England and New Zealand would fancy their probabilities.
Runners up within the final version, India will probably be eager to go one step forward and declare the title that has eluded them up to now.
However, quite a bit will rely on the Indian batting unit, particularly the highest order comprising the likes of chic Smriti Mandhana, big-hitting Shafali Verma and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.
The ‘Women in Blue’ had loved a stellar run on the 2020 version earlier than the ultimate resulted in disappointment.
Shafali, had been the breakout star, ending the event as India’s main run scorer. Pumped up after the U19 World Cup win in South Africa a number of days in the past, the flamboyant opener will probably be eager to hold on the momentum.
India have discovered a much-needed finisher in U19 World Cup-winning younger Richa Gosh and that may give the highest order the liberty to the highest order to go all weapons blazing from the beginning.
India have mixture of spin and tempo choices however bowling has been their achilles heel. The tempo division, barring veteran Shikha Pandey, is comparatively inexperienced. They should rise to the problem.
The ever-reliable Deepti Sharma has been a match winner for India on a number of events, and with spinners glowing within the warm-up matches, she is going to as soon as once more be a key participant.
India have been clubbed alongside England, Pakistan, West Indies and Ireland in Group B. England, who’ve been a constant pressure within the format for years, will probably be a powerful contender.
Led by Heather Knight, England will probably be desirous to get their arms on the title for the primary time since inaugural version in 2009. They have reached three finals with none success.
The former champions have a potent bowling assault that features the legendary pacer Katherine Sciver-Brunt and top-ranked spinner Sophie Ecclestone.
The likes of Alice Capsey, Sophia Dunkley and Lauren Bell have established themselves within the T20 format and quite a bit will probably be anticipated from them.
Besides Australia, New Zealand is one other high contender to succeed in the final 4 from Group A. The Sophie Devine-led facet has loved run within the format lately.
The White Ferns have the expertise to go the space however will want participant other than Devine, Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu to step up.
South Africa’s greatest finishes got here in 2020 and 2014, once they reached the semi-finals. The Proteas ladies will probably be eager to capitalise on the house benefit.
The current Tri-Series ultimate victory over India will solely add to their confidence.
Their success within the event would rely on the bowling division, comprising the likes of skilled pacers Marizanne Kapp, Shabnim Ismail and Ayabonga Khaka. The hosts’ batting division although appears slightly skinny.
Grouped alongside Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, will probably be a tall process for the hosts to advance to the semifinals.
The opening encounter will probably be between hosts South Africa and Sri Lanka on Friday. The event will happen in two levels. The 10 groups are divided into two teams of 5 sides every.
In the primary spherical, the groups will compete in round-robin format with the highest two groups from every group progressing to the knockout stage.
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com