Women’s T20 World Cup 2020: Can India challenge Australia’s ‘final’ supremacy?
India defeated Australia by 17 runs in the opening encounter of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2020. The win over defending champions boosted India’s confidence and they went on to win all four matches in the group stage. Their top ranking enabled them a direct entry in the final as rain poured over England’s hopes. Australia, on the other hand, had to face South Africa in the semi-final and emerged victorious by 5 runs. India and Australia shall now finish the tournament by facing each other again.
While this is Australia’s sixth appearance in the Women’s T20 World Cup final, India will be playing in a T20 World Cup final for the first time. In their previous five matches, Australia have won four times and have lost once against West Indies. Here’s how they have dominated thus far.
Australia-W Vs New Zealand-W, 2010 World Cup, Bridgetown
In their first-ever T20 World Cup final, Australia batted first and laboured to their final total of 106/8. New Zealand lost captain Aimee Watkins early but Suzie Bates looked all set to take the team home. Ellyse Perry removed her and claimed 3/18 to secure a thrilling 3-run victory.
Australia-W Vs England-W, 2012 World Cup, Colombo
Batting first, Australia women put up a strong show as all five batsmen got into double figures. England crumbled under pressure and fell four runs short of the 143-run target. Jess Duffin was named player of the match for her 45 (34).
48 hours to go until the ICC Women’s #T20WorldCup Final and over 75,000 tickets have been snapped up! ?️
India v Australia feat. Katy Perry at the MCG ?️
Don’t miss out! https://t.co/qHh1n3MXPn pic.twitter.com/eTWcAYoPTj
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) March 6, 2020
Australia-W Vs England-W, 2014 World Cup, Dhaka
England women fell to post a daunting total in the final. They managed only 105/8 on the board in 20 overs with Sarah Coyte taking 3/16. Skipper Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry stitched a 60-run partnership to win the World Cup.
Australia-W Vs West Indies-W, 2016 World Cup, Kolkata
Only loss Australia endured in a T20 World Cup final. Elyse Villani and Lanning scored 52 runs each as the team posted 148/5. West Indian opener Hayley Matthews (66) and Stephanie Taylor (59) chased the target with eight wickets remaining.
Australia-W Vs England-W, 2018 World Cup, North Sound
England’s Dani Wyatt (43) and Heather Knight (25) managed decent scores while rest of the team struggled. Australia chased down the target of 106 runs with eight wickets remaining. Ashleigh Gardener won the player of the match award for her all-round performance (33* and 3/22).
