As the winter breeze stirs along the Queensland coast, the anticipation surrounding women’s cricket finds its focus at the picturesque Great Barrier Arena in Mackay. On August 7th, 2025, India A embarks on a much-awaited tour of Australia, opening with the first T20 of a pulsating three-match series. This isn’t just another bilateral contest; it’s a stage for emerging stars and seasoned talents to ignite a rivalry rich with recent history and promise.
Commanding the Indian side is the ever-dynamic Radha Yadav, whose leadership and guile with the ball have made her a role model for the next generation. Across the field, Nicole Faltum, Australia A’s dependable batter, takes the reins with a sharp tactical mind and an unwavering resolve. Both captains carry the aspirations of their squads and the hopes of their respective nations in a series that promises to showcase fresh tactics, raw ambition, and the undiluted tenacity of women’s cricket. For fans following the action closely, discussions around Indian T20 Betting often add another layer of excitement, reflecting the growing interest in the sport’s competitive edge.
Following the T20 series, the two teams will battle it out in three One-Day matches, culminating in a four-day unofficial Test, reviving the classical spirit of the longer format at Allan Border Field, Brisbane. Over these three weeks, cricket enthusiasts will witness fierce contests, evolving rivalries, and a glimpse into the future of the sport.
Squads:
Australia A Women’s Cricket Team
Nicole Faltum (C), Tahlia Wilson (VC), Lauren Cheatle, Amy Edgar, Tess Flintoff, Kim Garth, Sianna Ginger, Lucy Hamilton, Alyssa Healy, Anika Learoyd, Madeline Penna, Rachel Trenaman, Courtney Webb
India A Women’s Cricket Team
Radha Yadav (C), Minnu Mani (VC), Shafali Verma, D. Vrinda, Sajana Sajeevan, Uma Chetry (WK), Raghvi Bist, Prema Rawat, Nandini Kashyap (WK), Tanuja Kanwer, Joshita VJ, Shabnam Shakeel, Saima Thakor, Titas Sadhu, Dhara Gujjar
Players to watch out:
Tess Flintoff
The talented 22-year-old bowling all-rounder recently made a significant impact in the multi-format series against England A. In the unofficial Test, she contributed 35 valuable runs in two innings and emerged as the leading wicket-taker for her side with 5 wickets at an impressive average of 21.40 and an economy of 2.81. In the One Day format, Tess added 36 runs across two innings and took one wicket, while in the T20 segment, she added 15 runs at a brisk strike rate of 166.66 and claimed two wickets at a tidy average of 15.50 and economy of 5.16.
Kim Garth
The 29-year-old pace bowling all-rounder now representing Australia, recently featured in the three-match T20I series against New Zealand. While she showed moments of inconsistency with the ball during the series, her proven prowess in home conditions makes her a genuine wicket-taking threat. Known for her versatility, Garth remains a potent weapon for her side both with the ball and the bat, bringing valuable balance and experience to the Australian lineup.
Shafali Verma
The 21-year-old explosive opening batter recently showcased her remarkable talent during the five-match T20I series in England. Demonstrating her aggressive yet composed style, she emerged as the second-highest run-scorer both for her team and in the series overall, amassing 176 runs at a striking rate of 158.55. With an impressive average of 35.20 and a valuable half-century in five innings, Verma’s performance reinforced her reputation as a vital power-hitter.
Saima Thakor
The 28-year-old pace bowler recently featured in the Senior Women’s Multi-day Challenger Trophy 2025, representing Team C. With the bat, she contributed 11 runs across three innings, while her primary impact came with the ball, where she claimed 5 wickets in four innings. Though facing some challenges, Saima maintained an economy rate of 3.46 and an average of 46.40, showcasing her persistence and potential to make valuable breakthroughs.
Pitch:
The conditions on offer at the Great Barrier Reef Arena will assist the pacers (29 wickets) early on with the new ball. However, the spinners (26 wickets) will also come into play as the game progresses. The wicket assists both bowlers and batters alike, setting up an intriguing game.
Weather:
The forecast promises mostly sunny conditions, with temperatures hovering around 23°C, humidity at 71%, and a gentle breeze. With only a 15% chance of precipitation, interruptions due to rain seem highly unlikely, ensuring an uninterrupted contest.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Alyssa Healy, Uma Chetry, Shafali Verma, Rachel Trenaman, Tanuja Kanwer, Tess Flintoff, Minnu Mani, Kim Garth, Radha Yadav, Lauren Cheatle, Saima Thakor
Match Details:
Date – August 7, 2025
Time – 1:30 PM IST
Venue – Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
Broadcast – Fans in India can follow the action live on the FanCode app and website and in Australia, the series will be streamed on Kayo Sports and cricket.com.au.
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