India vs Australia: ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

By: Elena Roopchansingh 12 October, 2024

Prior to the tournament this game would’ve been marked on calendars.  Interest peaks when these two teams come against each other.  At this stage both teams require different outcomes in order to qualify for the semi finals.  Australia are all but qualified unless they are handed a heavy defeat by India.   A win for Australia would keep them top of the table.  India need to win and would still be keeping an eye on New Zealand hoping they lose to Pakistan or not win by a margin that would better India’s net run rate.

Australia head into this having won their prior games of the tournament against Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan.  They’re also unbeaten in the last fourteen T20 World Cup games. They are however, under the cloud of a couple injuries.  Tayla Vlaeminck dislocated her right shoulder just four balls into the match against Pakistan.  She’s had a difficult run of injuries having suffered two dislocations to her left shoulder, two anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions and stress fractures in her foot (Baynes 2024).

Of more concern is that their captain Alyssa Healy was forced to retire hurt in the last game against Pakistan having scored a solid thirty-seven in the victorious run chase.  She wore the look of concern hobbling off and has had scans for an ‘acute foot injury’ the results of which will determine her participation for the rest of the tournament (Baynes 2024).  An ‘acute’ injury suggests Healy would be unavailable for Sunday’s game.  Her possible replacement would be Grace Harris to solidify the batting lineup and pair Beth Mooney in opening.  Mooney herself would take up the gloves having done so at both the Women’s Big Bash League and the Women’s Premier League. Vice-captain Tahlia McGrath will take over the captaincy reins.  But this is an Australia side that prides itself and has spoken highly of their depth and it may be time to prove so.   

India come into this game having two out of three victories in the campaign so far.  Their one blemish came from the opening game against New Zealand.  They’ve since regrouped and know the significance of this game.  A win is what they’re after and captain Harmanpreet Kaur is available after retiring hurt in the game against Pakistan.  They’ll look to take the game to Australia and be attacking and aggressive as they usually do.  This would also be their first game at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium so they’ll be keen to assess conditions and adapt quickly.   They have match winners all the way through their lineup and will be giving their all for a chance at the semi final spot.

Another chapter of the India versus Australia awaits and as always it promises to be an enthralling encounter.