Thursday will be an extra special day for cricket fans everywhere as the playoffs in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 commence with a much-awaited India Women vs Australia Women match. The match is sure to leave fans captivated as both teams have made quite the impression in this edition of the tournament. Notably, Australia Women have been particularly formidable, having remained undefeated in the league stage and finishing at the top of their group. With tensions high on Thursday, these experienced players are unlikely to disappoint as they take centre stage at Newlands in Cape Town. Be sure to tune in for this momentous event!
The highly anticipated match between India Women and Australia Women on Thursday is surely going to be a match to remember. The Kangaroo team had a major injury worry with their star batter Alyssa Healy sustaining a minor injury in the previous game against South Africa Women, but are likely to have all their players available for the game. On the other hand, India Women has been performing exceptionally well in the tournament so far and will also bring out their strongest line-up for the semis. With both teams in great shape, this match has all the ingredients for an exciting and entertaining semi-final – tense atmosphere, brilliant fielding moments and powerful batting from world-class stars. It’s sure to be an unpredictable contest that cricket fans will enjoy watching.
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 tournament started with a bang as Australia Women were unstoppable in their league round. After delivering a stunning performance against New Zealand Women, they proceeded to sweep their remaining three opponents—Bangladesh Women, Sri Lanka Women, and South Africa Women—by wide margins. It was made possible due to impeccable performances by the bowlers who ensured that none of the teams crossed 125 runs in the allotted 20 overs. India clarified its dominance in the competition by defeating Pakistan and West Indies Women with ease, albeit suffering defeat later at the hands of England Women. Nevertheless, Australia and India have set a high benchmark for other participating teams in the competition and it remains to be seen which team will be crowned as the champions at the end of this tournament.
From the start, Australia Women have held clear dominance over the India Women when it comes to head-to-head records in T20 Internationals. The Australian side has taken 22 wins out of 30 matches, while it looks like they won’t let go of their supremacy anytime soon. India Women have only managed to take down the world champions in seven games so far with one abandoned and that too hardly gives them any joy. Despite India’s brilliant record in ODIs, Australia seem to have an evergreen hold on them in the shorter format.
Focus Person
Alyssa Healy is turning back the clock and showcasing her prolific batting form. The veteran top-order batsman has been in unstoppable form this league, emerging as the backbone of Australia Women’s batting line-up. She has made 146 runs so far at an average of 73 and a strike rate just over 124; enough for her to occupy third place among the highest run-getters list. However, she suffered a minor injury after their last match against South Africa Women which caused her to sit out, but she will be fit in time for their upcoming semi-final clash against India Women. With Healy alive and kicking again, huge things could be expected from Australia Women in the semis!
India have an advantage as they progress to the semi-final stage in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, with prolific batter Smriti Mandhana. She has been one of the most reliable batswomen with 149 runs in just three matches, having a stunning strike rate of 150 which will be crucial in the next league match against Australia Women. The 23-year old was notably tasked with the responsibility of single handedly winning a game for India and she successfully delivered scoring 87 runs off just 65 deliveries at Ireland Women played her part in bringing home that win by five runs. India are lucky to have her back from injury and although she needs her colleagues to provide assistance, she will do her best to ensure India’s place in the grand finale.
