Australia and England are the top contenders to reach the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup. However, India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, has suggested that the team that handles pressure better will determine the outcome of the tournament. Kaur stated that both teams would be under pressure in crucial matches, including the upcoming semi-final match between India and Australia at Newlands in Cape Town. The second semi-final will be held on Friday, with England playing against South Africa.
Australia and England have both remained unbeaten in the group stages, and when they faced tough competition, they prevailed with their attacking cricket. India’s young wicketkeeper, Richa Ghosh, observed that both teams are aggressive and continue to attack even after losing a batter. India has an excellent batting depth, so they will be playing with an attacking mindset.
However, the odds seem to be against India. Australia, the defending champions, have won nine out of their last ten meetings with India, with the other game ending in a tie. In the 2020 final in Melbourne, Australia won by a massive 85 runs after bowling out India for just 99.
On Wednesday, skipper Meg Lanning emphasized that her team would not be complacent. She acknowledged that India has shown that they are not reliant on just one or two players, and have great depth as well. Lanning noted that both teams start at the same level, and if Australia plays their best cricket, they will have a good chance of winning.
Australia is expected to triumph as winners of five out of seven T20 World Cups and seven 50-over World Cups. They are impervious to the pressures that Kaur spoke about. Playing at Newlands for the first time in the tournament should suit their stroke-playing batters, as well as exciting fast bowler Darcie Brown and leg-spinner Georgia Wareham, who can exploit the extra bounce and pace. Their bowling attack has yet to concede more than the 124 runs scored by South Africa.
India has a robust batting lineup with Jemima Rodrigues, Smriti Mandhana, and hard-hitting Ghosh in good form. Captain Kaur is a proven performer, and Shafali Verma is an opening batter who can set a match-winning tempo. Lanning noted that Smriti and Verma are key players for India who can take the game away from the opposition very quickly. Australia has planned to take early wickets, knowing that in T20 cricket, it can make a massive difference.
India’s bowling attack centers around the swing of Renuka Thakur and a group of slow bowlers, among whom Deepti Sharma is the standout player. On the other hand, Australia will have a full-strength squad with vice-captain Alyssa Healy returning from injury after sitting out their previous game against South Africa.
England, like Australia, began their campaign playing away from Newlands, but they displayed dominance in their first appearance at the iconic venue by defeating Pakistan. Wicketkeeper Amy Jones, known for her powerful finishing abilities, emphasized the team’s commitment to playing an attacking style of cricket.
South Africa secured a spot in the semi-finals on the basis of net run-rate, primarily due to their impressive bowling performance that saw them dismiss New Zealand for a paltry 67 runs. However, opening batter Laura Wolvaardt, who scored an unbeaten 66 against Bangladesh, admitted that South Africa had a “mental lapse” in their previous encounter against England in the 50-over World Cup. Wolvaardt acknowledged the team’s need to address their mental strength and their belief in their talent and skills to emerge victorious.
