The 5th Women’s World T20 championship is all set to begin on the Tuesday, 15th of March, when hosts India take on Bangladesh in Bengaluru in what will be a televised game.
The past 4 tournaments have seen 2 champions, the top 2 teams in the Women’s game: England won the maiden edition but it has all gone Australia’s way during the past 3 tournaments. In fact, their dominance has been so complete that, New Zealand is the only other team to have even made it to the final.
Like the men’s tournament, the 10 teams are divided into 2 groups, with the top two teams from both groups moving to the semi-final stage.
Group A – Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka.
Group B – Bangladesh, England, India, Pakistan, West Indies.
The Teams
Australia
Australia have dominated Women’s cricket over the past few years, but they are coming off a nightmarish run in recent months; they have lost 4 of their last 6 matches. Having been beaten at home by India and then most recently away in New Zealand, the Southern Stars will be looking for redemption. One cannot help but think that No. 1 ranked batter Meg Lanning and No. 1 ranked all-rounder Ellyse Perry will have a huge role to play if they are to lift their 4th World T20 title.
Key Players – Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry
England
England will be skippered by veteran Charlotte Edwards once again and will be aiming to repeat their success from the maiden tournament. Finishing second best to Australia will definitely be something the English will look to avoid, but they will first have to get out of what could be a tricky group, with India and the West Indies looking like the major threats.
Key Players – Sarah Taylor, Anya Shrubsole
New Zealand
“Always a Bridesmaid, never a Bride” maybe an apt description of the White Ferns outfit. They made it to the final in the 1st two editions of the tournament and bombed them both. In the 1st final against England they crashed and burned to 85 all out while in their 2nd go, they had the trophy within reach but froze in the last few overs to lose by 3 runs. This time however, they have a top order that is firing and some experience in the bowling ranks that would make them definitely a dark horse in the competition.
Key Players – Suzie Bates, Rachel Priest
India
The Indian lasses have shown that they are more than capable of holding their own alongside the big teams and are coming off an unprecedented series win in Australia and a comfortable series win against Sri Lanka at home. What could really work in their favour is that they will be the team most comfortable with the conditions at hand, seeing as none of the top teams have played in the sub-continent of late.
Key Players – Mithali Raj, Deepti Sharma
West Indies
Like their male counterparts, the Windies women have some big hitters in the mix who could any bowling attack apart on their day. They are coming off a series loss to South Africa but they certainly do have the fire power to overcome the big teams in the tournament.
Key Players – Stafanie Taylor, Anisa Mohammed
South Africa
The Protea women could potentially be the surprise package of the tournament after having beaten England for the 1st time last month and then most recently beating the West Indies 2-1 at home. They are most definitely the most improved side in the Women’s game and Australia and New Zealand will definitely be wary of these underdogs.
Key Players – Shabnim Ismail, Marizanne Kapp
Pakistan
Perhaps the team with the least amount of preparation, the Pakistan women have not played a single game this year. They had a busy 2015, by women’s cricket standards and were able to maintain 50% win-loss record notching up wins against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and South Africa. It is unlikely that they will get they will get past the 1st round but will hope to cause a few hiccups during the tournament.
Key Players – Sana Mir, Javeria Wadood
Sri Lanka
After shocking the world with wins against England and India in the 50 over world cup back in 2013, the Sri Lanka women have faltered, their last win coming back in May 2015 against the West Indies. While teams like South Africa, India and the West Indies have progressed, Sri Lanka has fallen behind. This year, they have lost 3 out of three T20s to hosts India. The positive thing for the Lankans is the fact that no one is really expecting much from them so they may be able to cause a few surprises.
Key Players – Shashikala Siriwardene, Eshani Lokusooriya
Bangladesh
When Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka in the WT20 two years ago, their win was celebrated throughout the streets of Sylhet. The truth however is the fact that they haven’t really played enough games to challenge the other teams in their group. They will be happy to be able to participate however, as it is unlikely that they will get many more games in the near future. What will help however is the fact that a few of their games, including the opening game of the tournament, will be televised.
Key Players – Jahanara Alam, Nigar Sultana
Ireland
The lowest ranked team in the women’s segment, Ireland will be led by Isobel Joyce, sister of Irish opening batsman Ed Joyce. They have beaten Pakistan in the past so ideally they will be eyeing a surprise victory against Sri Lanka but it is hard to imagine them challenging the other teams in the group.
Key Player – Isobel Joyce, Kim Garth
Conclusion
Australia will go in as the top-ranked side in the tournament, but seven of the eight ICC women’s championship teams have been in action earlier this year, and have shown great fight and potential, proving that this tournament will have a number of serious contenders.
Out of 23 women’s matches, the ICC will produce broadcast coverage of a record 13 matches, which, in turn will be carried around the world by ICC’s Global Broadcast Partner Star Sports and other broadcast partners, making it a great opportunity for the teams to make an impression on their global audience.
