As the excitement builds for match number 18 of the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Team India is all set to take on the defending champions, Australia, on Sunday, October 13. This highly anticipated encounter will take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, starting at 7:30 PM IST. The Indian women’s team, after a shaky start, has bounced back impressively, securing victories against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. To ensure their place in the semifinals, the ‘Women in Blue’ must overcome the injury-ridden Australian side.
India to come up with the same XI
The Indian team is expected to field a well-balanced lineup, combining explosive batting and reliable bowling. Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana will open the innings, aiming for an explosive start to set the tone for the match. Harmanpreet Kaur, with her impressive record of 96 runs in three matches, is expected to anchor the middle order. Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh will provide crucial support as they look to build partnerships and accelerate the scoring.
On the bowling front, Arundhati Reddy stands out with seven wickets in three matches. While Asha Shobhna, Renuka Singh will be expected to scalp some wickets. India is expected to put the same playing XI they set against Sri Lanka.
Setbacks for Australia, Tahilia to lead
Despite dealing with injuries, Australia is still expected to field a tough team for India. Beth Mooney, who has scored 98 runs in three matches, will be key at the top of the order. Ellyse Perry and Tahlia McGrath bring experience and versatility, capable of turning the game with both bat and ball.
Megan Schutt is a standout bowler for Australia, having taken seven wickets with an economy rate of just 3.14. Ashleigh Gardner, with five wickets to her name, will also play a crucial role in the middle overs, looking to stifle India’s scoring.
Australia faces two setbacks against Pakistan, Tayla Vlaeminck dislocated her right shoulder. Also, Captain Alyssa Healy sustained “an acute right foot injury”. Both players underwent scans on Saturday and are expected to rest in the crucial match. Tahlia McGrath will be captaining the Australian side.
IND-W vs AUS-W Predicted Playing XI
India women’s playing XI: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Pooja Vastrakar, Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Asha Sobhana, Shreyanka Patil, Renuka Singh Thakur.
Australia women’s playing XI: Beth Mooney (wk), Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (c), Grace Harris, Georgia Wareham, Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Molineux, Megan Schutt., Kim Garth.
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