Fresh off back-to-back wins following a loss in their tournament opener, India will go up against unbeaten Australia in match no. 18 of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. The game is slated for the 13th of October 2024, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, with live action commencing at 7:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
India started the tournament with a heavy 58-run loss, bowled out for 102 while chasing 160 against New Zealand. However, they quickly bounced back with a 6-wicket win over Pakistan, successfully chasing 105, and an impressive 82-run victory over Sri Lanka, dismissing them for 90 in a chase of 173. Meanwhile, Australia secured a 6-wicket win over Sri Lanka, comfortably chasing 94, followed by an 80-run win over New Zealand, bowling them out for 88, and most recently a commanding 9-wicket victory over Pakistan, chasing down 82 with absolute ease.
Squads:
India women’s cricket team
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia, Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Sajana Sajeevan
Australia women’s cricket team
Alyssa Healy (C), Tahlia McGrath, Darcie Brown, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham
Players to watch out:
Harmanpreet Kaur
The 35-year-old batting all-rounder, from 156 T20I outings, has racked up 3522 runs at an average of 28.63, and also struck 32 wickets, with an economy rate of 6.27, registering bests of 103 and 4/23. Harmanpreet has had a decent run this year, and while she departed for 15 in the season opener, she followed up with scores of 29* and 52*. She can be counted on for important runs.
Renuka Singh Thakur
The 28-year-old pacer, from 49 T20I innings, has secured 55 wickets, with an economy rate of 6.34, and registered the best of 5/15. Renuka didn’t have a consistent run leading up to the World Cup; however, come the tournament, she has stepped up her efforts, returning figures of 2/27, 1/23, and 2/16. It is hoped she capitalizes on this return to form, taking wickets upfront.
Ellyse Perry
The 33-year-old all-rounder in T20Is, from 103 innings, has accumulated 2025 runs at an average of 31.15 and a strike rate of 115.71, while taking 126 wickets from 136 outings, maintaining an economy rate of 5.83. Ellyse hasn’t bowled in this World Cup campaign; however, with the bat, she has managed starts of 17, 30, and 22*, and can be counted on to convert these into substantial scores.
Megan Schutt
The 31-year-old pacer, from 115 T20I innings, has claimed 144 wickets at an average of 17.09, an economy rate of 6.28, and recorded the best of 5/15. Megan has been at her very best in this campaign, building on the performances she has had, producing bowling figures of 3/12, 3/3, and 1/7 in the three league games so far. The seasoned pacer can be relied upon for breakthroughs.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium provides a well-balanced center wicket, promising a gripping contest between bat and ball. This is evident from the average score in the 120s, and bowlers, especially spinners, benefit from assistance off the wicket.
Weather:
The conditions in Sharjah are expected to be ideal for cricket, with no anticipated rain interruptions and clear skies. The temperature will be around 32°C, with moderate winds and humidity at 52%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Harmanpreet Kaur, Tahlia McGrath, Deepti Sharma, Ash Gardner, Georgia Wareham, Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Molineux, Megan Schutt, Arundhati Reddy
Match details:
Date – October 13, 2024
Time – 7:30 PM IST
Venue – Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Broadcast – In India, the game will be telecasted by the Star Sports Network and will be available for live streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
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