&w=1024&resize=1024,0&ssl=1 "Women's T20 World Cup 2024: India hoping for a big win against injury-hit Australia | Women's T20 World Cup 2024 News")
A confident India will be looking to take control of their destiny by securing another net-increasing win when they face injury-ravaged Australia on Sunday in a must-see match at the Women's T20 World Cup.
India's huge victory over Sri Lanka earlier this week significantly improved their chances of reaching the last four despite a shock defeat to New Zealand in the first match.
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Meanwhile, Australia qualified for the semi-finals with six points from three games and an impressive net run rate of +2.786, with India, New Zealand and Pakistan fighting for the remaining places.
However, the defending champions suffered two injury blows during Friday's victory over Pakistan, with captain Alyssa Healy leaving the field with a serious right leg injury and fast bowler Tela Vlemink dislocating her shoulder.
With the pair, who will undergo tests on Saturday, likely to miss Sunday's crucial clash, Australia's depth will be put to the test.
India's 82-run victory over Sri Lanka marked their largest lead in the history of the tournament, not only boosting their confidence but also turning their net run rate from negative to positive.
The victory gave them second place in Group A, just behind undefeated Australia. However, India, who have 4 points, need a win to maintain their knockout aspirations as New Zealand have one more match left and can take the total to 6 points.
If so, eligibility will depend on the net activation rate. While India is currently +0.567 NRR, New Zealand (-0.050) can overtake Harmanpreet Kaur and Co. with significant victories over struggling Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan 2 points from three matches. If they beat New Zealand in the last match and India loses to Australia, all three teams are likely to be stuck at 4 points and the NRR will come back into play.
Thus, the Blue Women will be desperate not only for a victory, but also for another increase in the net rate to fend off any threat from the Kiwis.
India have always challenged the Australians and Harmanpreet Kaur, in the last four of the field, will want her team to play their A game again.
A return to top form with Shefali Verma, Smriti Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet will be beneficial for the team.
This will be India's first match at this venue and considering the venue has been a tough one for the batsmen, a lot will depend on the trio and Jemima Rodriguez, who has an important innings ahead of her.
The bowlers, who recorded impressive performances against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, will be hoping to calm down their opponents.
If Healy is out, Australia will face the challenge of finding a new captain, wicketkeeper and batsman, which will significantly change its squad. Beth Mooney will take over wicketkeeping responsibility.
But vice-captain Tahlia McGrath, who is expected to lead the team against India, insists Australia are ready to capitalize on the strength of their squad.
“We have depth in the Australian team. It's time to take advantage of it,” he said on Friday.
Team:
Indie: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shefali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemima Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (bramkarz), Yastika Bhatia, Pooja Bhastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Tagore, Dayalan Hemalta, Asha Shobna, Radha Yadav, Shreyan Patil , Sajna Sajivan
Australia: Alyssa Healy (w środku), Darcy Brown, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (VC), Sophie Molyneux, Beth Mooney, Elise Perry, Megan Shute, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlemink, Gruzja Wareham
The match will start at 7:30 PM ET.
(Only the headline and image of this report may have been modified by Business Standards staff; the rest of the content is automatically generated from a syndicated feed.)
