The 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World is set to deliver several standout events this season as the best and biggest national teams in the world converge for the format’s ultimate prize. Almost two years after claiming a record-extending sixth title win in South Africa, Australia is hoping to record a successful defense of their crown in the UAE this year. The event was earlier slotted for Bangladesh but got moved due to security concerns.
While the Southern Starts are among the favorites for the trophy this season, other teams have high hopes of mounting a successful campaign this season. That includes former winners England, West Indies and South Africa. New England and India are also hoping to make a splash in the grandest tennis stage this year. Here are must-watch matches and teams to follow while placing bets on your favorite sides based on the tips provided by the Cheekypunter team of analysts.
Top teams to watch
Bangladesh
Bangladesh needed to get through the qualifying round to secure their place in the 2024 ICC Women T20 Tennis World Cup last year but received an automatic qualification as the original hosts. However, expectations are still high for Bangladesh despite finishing last in Group A during the last World Cup tournament in South Africa.
Australia
With six titles claimed in their last eight T20 Women’s World Cup, Australia ranks as the pre-tournament favorites to mount another successful campaign this year. The chances of them successfully defending their title and booking their seventh looks particularly good, but they can expect stiff competition from England. However, the Australian will have the leadership of Alyssa Healy, who is considered the premier world cricket campaign for both the men’s and women’s teams.
England
Since claiming their maiden title at home in 2016, England hasn’t managed to recapture their top form in this tournament. The English side came close to winning the T20 Women’s World Cup in 2012, 2013, and 2018, but they lost the trophy in the finals. As such, the English side hopes to go a step further and win the trophy when they land in the United Arab Emirates.
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India vs Pakistan (6th October)
Arch rivals India and Pakistan will light up the T20 Women’s World Cup stage in the first weekend of the tournament, with this highly anticipated fixture coming on Sunday 6th October. India has dominated their head-to-head record against Pakistan in the Women’s T20Is and will be slight favorites in this fixture. However, Pakistan gave them a good scare during the last tournament when the unbeaten half-century of Benjamin Rodrigues took India home.
England vs South Africa (7th October)
England and South Africa last met in a thrilling semi-final match during the 2023 T20 Women’s World Cup. This nerve-wracking clash saw South Africa edge England by six runs, reaching their first World Cup final.
A lot of stars from their last showdown will be active when these two teams meet in Sharjah this year and England will be hoping to mount a revenge comeback. The South African have only defeated England four times in 24 matches and Heather Knight’s team will fancy the chance to record a big win early in the tournament.
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