Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Are we looking at a preview of the World T20 Final?
Undefeated India and Australia go head-to-head in one of the blockbuster games of the tournament so far, and despite both qualifying to the semi finals already, victory over a rival is always the order of the day.
Which of the two will go through the group stage undefeated?
Australia have been in superb touch in this tournament, led by the magnificent Alyssa Healy. They have swept past all challengers so far, including New Zealand and Pakistan, and now have India in their sights. The Indians will likely provide Australia with their toughest test to date, so how will the Aussies respond?
It has truly been a fine tournament for India. Grouped against the top two T20I sides in Australia and New Zealand, you would have been forgiven for thinking that India were third favourites in this group. But, for the first time since 2010, India have qualified to the semi finals, and are playing cricket worthy of their position in the tournament. Will they finish top of the group?
Key to an Australia win
What has set Australia apart from most teams in this tournament has been their incredible powerplay batting. Alyssa Healy has been in irresistible form, hitting 178 runs at 78.50, with a strike rate of 160. With a top order also comprising of Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner and Meg Lanning all looking to hit top form, another onslaught from Alyssa Healy can help them do just that.
Also, with the ball, Australia might very well face their biggest challenge. Harmanpreet Kaur, Mithali Raj and Jemimah Rodrigues have been in fine touch for India in this tournament, and Australia need to find a way to dismiss at least two of the three cheaply to pile pressure on the batting line up. Can the likes of Megan Schutt and Ellyse Perry send an even bigger message to the tournament rivals by dismantling India?
Key to an India win
A huge key for India is to contain Alyssa Healy at the top. None of Pakistan, Ireland or New Zealand were able to, and they all paid the price. Mansi Joshi, Radha Yadav and Deepti Sharma need to bowl well up front, paving the way for Poonam Yadav to test Australia’s middle order with her spin.
Also, the trio of Kaur, Raj and Rodrigues are key to the Indian cause. Can they, instead of Australia, send a big message out to the other challengers that they are indeed able to win the whole tournament?
Possible teams
Australia: 1. Beth Mooney, 2. Alyssa Healy (wk), 3. Meg Lanning (c), 4. Ashleigh Gardner, 5. Elyse Villani, 6. Rachael Haynes, 7. Ellyse Perry, 8. Sophie Molineux, 9. Delissa Kimmince, 10. Georgia Wareham, 11. Megan Schutt
India: 1. Mithali Rah, 2. Smriti Mandhana, 3. Jemimah Rodrigues, 4. Harmanpreet Kaur (c), 5. Veda Krishnamurthy, 6. Dayalan Hemalatha, 7. Deepti Sharma, 8. Taniya Bhata (wk), 9. Radha Yadav, 10. Mansi Joshi, 11. Poonam Yadav
Dream11
Superb cricketers in both sides. Below is my Dream11 team with a few pointers.
- Alyssa Healy is a must-pick, and she is my captain.
- Mithali Raj, H Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues possess good batting potential. Meg Lanning is due for a big score for Australia.
- Ashleigh Gardner is key at the top for Australia, and Dayalan Hemalatha has been impressive in this tournament to date.
- Megan Schutt and Poonam Yadav make my side, as they are quality assets to both bowling line ups.
Stats and Facts
- Australia have won the last three T20Is against India.
- Both sides have won three from three games in this tournament.
- Alyssa Healy’s 178 runs is the most by any player in World T20 2018 to date.
Prediction
This one promises to be a goody!
With both sides in the semi finals, the pressure won’t be full on. But, both sides will be up for it.
Will Australia have a bit too much in them? I think so. Australia to win.
Thanks for reading!
