Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
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| Image credit: AFP |
Two arch-rivals going at it in front of a big global audience in the Final of the inaugural standalone Women’s World T20 Tournament.
The women’s game is thriving, and it is fantastic to see.
Australia and England faced difficult tests on paper in the semi finals, coming up against West Indies and India respectively, who both topped their groups. They didn’t pass the test, but rather smashed out a high distinction, picking up huge wins en route what is expected to be a closely fought match.
Who will take out the World T20 Title?
Australia will take part in their fifth consecutive World T20 Final, with a chance to pick up their fourth title. It is a remarkable achievement by a side that was rightly said to be facing a big challenge in the semi final, but their performance suggested they, once again, will be very hard to beat. It takes a special side to deal with favouritism as well as Australia do, and given their all-round excellence against West Indies, there is little doubt their opposition is in for a tough game. It has been a tough year for Australian Cricket, but the women’s team has been a bright, shining light. Can they add further silverware to their trophy cabinet?
However, England will be out to prove they are more than nuisance value, in their own quest to win their first T20 crown since 2009. Also, England have a shot at total white ball supremacy, as they are the holders of the 50-over World Cup. They have been simply superb with the ball this tournament, exemplified most by their clinical effort against an Indian side desperate to improve their own record in T20 tournaments. Can they tame the fine Australia side?
Key to an Australia win
No side has been able to get a hold of England’s bowlers so far in World T20 2018. India, supposed to be England’s biggest challenge from a bowling point of view, were swept aside with nonchalant ease, which paves the way for a great battle against Australia’s strong top order.
Alyssa Healy has had a tournament to remember, and needs to be backed up once again by the likes of Meg Lanning and Rachael Haynes, who helped Australia reach a hugely competitive 142 against West Indies. Can Australia push England back in the powerplay overs and build on from there?
With the ball, the Australians were on fire with the ball in the semi final, and would want more of the same in the final. Relentless accuracy, fine fielding and appetite for the big games underpins this sides’ excellence, and the likes of Megan Schutt, Delissa Kimmince and Ellyse Perry will again be key in breaking the back of England’s batting.
Key to an England win
On a challenging pitch in a high pressure game against a tidy attack, India’s total of 112 could have proved tricky. For England, though, it was anything but, which was highly encouraging. Their complete performance in the semi final is something that needs to be replicated, on the back of their bowling strength. Anya Shrubsole, Natalie Sciver and Kirstie Gordon have the task of trying to dismiss Alyssa Healy early to get into the Australian line up. This battle could very well decide which nation will take the trophy home.
However, England’s biggest challenge could potentially lie with their batting. That their batters have spent time at the crease in the last two games is crucial, but they will have to go to another level in keeping a fine Australian attack at bay, whilst keeping the scoreboard ticking. Can Amy Jones and Natalie Sciver continue their fine form from the semi final? What about the dangerous opening pair Danielle Wyatt and Tammy Beaumont, who haven’t quite fired this tournament yet, to help set up the innings? All to play for.
Possible teams
Australia: 1. Alyssa Healy (wk), 2. Beth Mooney, 3. Meg Lanning, 4. Ashleigh Gardner, 5. Elyse Villani, 6. Rachael Haynes, 7. Ellyse Perry, 8. Sophie Molineux, 9. Delissa Kimmince, 10. Georgia Wareham, 11. Megan Schutt
England: 1. Danielle Wyatt, 2. Tammy Beaumont, 3. Amy Jones (wk), 4. Natalie Sciver, 5. Heather Knight (c), 6. Lauren Winfield, 7. Sophia Dunkley, 8. Anya Shrubsole, 9. Danielle Hazell, 10. Sophie Ecclestone, 11. Kirstie Gordon
Dream11
Plenty of talent in either team to choose for Dream11. Below is my side with a few pointers.
- Alyssa Healy is in the form of her life. Captain her with confidence, even in such a huge game.
- Rachael Haynes and Meg Lanning will prove to be important in the middle overs, given England’s good attack, which is why Natalie Sciver, Anya Shrubsole and Kirstie Gordon are in my side.
- Ellyse Perry is a star, and will offer a key role with the ball, even if she doesn’t bat too much.
- I’m backing Danielle Wyatt to play as well as her talent suggests she should.
- Bowlers will have a big say in the North Sound conditions, which is why five make my side.
Stats and Facts
- Alyssa Healy is the tournament’s top runscorer with 203 runs at 67.66, with a phenomenal strike rate of 149.26.
- Ellyse Perry is one away from 100 wickets in T20Is, and 49 away from 1,000 runs.
- England’s Kirstie Gordon and Australia’s Megan Schutt and Ellyse Perry are all equal second on the wicket takers’ charts with eight.
- Australia are gunning for their fourth title. England their second.
Prediction
The two best teams in the tournament will go at it for the major prize. It promises to be a beauty, and I can’t wait.
I think Australia look to be the stronger of the two sides, and will take this one out. Here’s to a good game!
Thanks for reading!
