Women’s T20 World Cup Final preview

After 22 matches in 13 days, we are now left with just two sides who are vying for the title of Women’s World T20 World Cup champions.

Current holders Australia will face India in the T20 World Cup Final at Melbourne on Sunday at 6pm local time, 7am UK time.

In the midweek semi-finals that were ruined by rain, the eagerly awaited match between India and England was ruined by the weather, without a single ball bowled. Due to the farcical situation from the ICC of having no reserve day, it meant that India qualified for the final by virtue of being Group winners.

The other semi final between South Africa and Australia at least did have some play, with Australia making 134 for 5 in their allocated 20 overs. Meg Lanning top scoring for the holders with 49. Due to rain, South Africa’s target was reduced to 98 in 13 overs. South Africa fell five runs short of their target, eventually finishing up on 92 for 5.

So, we are now left with just two sides who will be competing on Sunday for a chance of World glory.
It’s very difficult to choose a winner between the two sides, with India remaining unbeaten in the tournament and Australia recovering after suffering an early defeat against India in their opening group match.

As holders Australia are certainly peaking at the right time. After the early loss to India in the opening game of the tournament, Australia have beaten Sri Lanka by five wickets, Bangladesh by 86 runs, New Zealand by a slender four runs before victory in the semis over South Africa.

India on the other hand have looked a class outfit. After surprising most people by defeating the Aussies in the first match of the tournament, the girls have recorded impressive victories against Bangladesh by 18 runs, New Zealand by three runs and a seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka.

India have been indebted to 16-year old opener Shafali Verma who has lit up the T20 World Cup with her performances at the top of the order. Verma, from Rohtak India, has already hit 161 runs in her four innings and looks a star of the future.

For Australia, it has been two batsman who have really caught the eye. Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy who have scored 341 runs between them.

Ironically the two leading wicket takers in the tournament are from Australia and India. The experienced Australian medium pacer Megan Schutt has so far picked up nine wickets at an economy rate of 6.44.

India have looked to the experienced head of 28-year-old leg spinner Poonam Yadav, with nine wickets at an economy rate of 5.56.

Whatever the outcome on Sunday, it has certainly been a wonderful tournament, with most experts correctly saying the two best sides in the tournament will reach the final.

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