Women’s World Cup: In the three matches so far in the campaign, the Indian team has won two and lost one against South Africa.
In 59 matches between Indian and Australian women in ODIs, the former have emerged victorious only 11 times, while the Australians have won a staggering 48 times. It seems like every time they play India, they know that Harmanpreet Kaur’s team would crumble under pressure. This is such a lopsided record that it is simply embarrassing. And yet it is still like this, after all these years.
Yes, the Australians are the reigning world champions, but no top team loses to them as often as India. It has been worse since the 2017 World Cup, where the Indians won only three matches. And now, as IND and AUS face off again, the Australians are in danger of reaching a score of 49-11. So why exactly could this have happened?
High and intermediate order misfires
Smriti Mandhana has 54 points in three matches, Pratika Rawal 105, Harmanpreet 49, Harleen Deol 107, Jemimah Rodrigues 32. The Indian top five have not scored fifty in the three matches they have played. They relied on the individual brilliance of the lower order – to which Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur and Richa Ghosh contributed greatly. And those struggling batters could be in the crosshairs of Annabel Sutherland (5 wickets), Sophie Molineux (3 wickets) and Kim Garth (3 wickets).
Team balance and general issues
So far, the team has not been able to find a combination to fit Renuka Thakur and Amanjot Kaur together. If they forget any of them, either the fast bowling reserves are exhausted or the overall reserves are exhausted. Radha Yadav, who is also an all-rounder, has been warming the bench so far, with chances for some non-performers.
Batting order needs to be fixed
It is clear that at the top of the order, Mandhana and Rawal must stand out. The best position for Harmanpreet is no. 3, and Harleen Deol must be pushed down. Jemimah has to replace Richa Ghosh, who has been excellent so far with the bat. Amanjot also deserves a promotion.
Hit Australia where it hurts
The trio of Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry and Phoebe Litchfield have not been effective at the top of the order, and either Kranti Gaud or Renuka need to expose their weaknesses on Indian pitches. The main threat comes from Beth Mooney and Ash Gardener in the middle, and only India’s best should play against them, perhaps pacers. The duo plays spin well.
Additionally, commissioning was poor; on the contrary, catches have been poor in India. They must take every chance that comes their way, even half of it. This is the biggest difference between the two camps.
IND vs AUS Full Teams
Australian women’s team: Alyssa Healy (with), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Heather Graham, Sophie Molineux, Darcie Brown, Georgia Voll.
Indian women’s team: Pratika Rawal, Smritit Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur Ghosh (W), Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Uma Chetry.
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