Can Anyone Stop Australia’s Winning Streak?

Abeera Marium Siddiqui
October 7, 2024
10:00 am
7

Australia has been the dominant force in women’s cricket for years. They’ve claimed six of the nine ICC Women’s T20 World Cups and are currently on a three-title winning streak. With the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup now underway in the UAE, the burning question is: Can anyone stop Australia this time?

Australia’s grip on the Women’s T20 World Cup is strong, but the competition has never been fiercer. Let’s take a closer look at Australia’s strengths, vulnerabilities, and the teams capable of bringing their dominance to an end.

Australia’s Dominance: Why They’re Still the Team to Beat

Australia’s dominance is built on a foundation of skill, experience, and winning mentality. Their squad boasts some of the best players in women’s cricket, including household names like Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy, and Beth Mooney. These players have the ability to win matches single-handedly, making Australia a tough team to beat.

Ellyse Perry:

⦿ 133 T20I matches
⦿ 1,518 runs at an average of 31.04
⦿ 123 wickets at an average of 19.93
⦿ She has been a match-winner for Australia both with the bat and ball, and her presence adds a lot of balance to the team.

Alyssa Healy:

⦿ 145 T20I matches
⦿ 2,646 runs at an average of 24.95
⦿ Known for her aggressive starts, Healy’s quick-fire 75 off 39 balls helped Australia win the 2020 T20 World Cup final.

But even the best teams have their vulnerabilities. Since their third consecutive T20 World Cup victory in 2023, Australia has shown cracks. They lost a series 1-2 against England and dropped home matches to South Africa and the West Indies—something few expected. Their T20 side has also been bowled out twice against India and New Zealand, a rare occurrence for this powerhouse team.

This opens up a possibility for other teams. The gap between Australia and the chasing pack has narrowed, and their route to another title won't be as easy as in past editions.

India: The Strongest Challenger?

If any team can take down Australia, it’s India. They have been steadily improving, and with their current squad, they have a real shot at dethroning the reigning champions.

Key players:

⦿ Deepti Sharma: 73 wickets in T20Is since 2022, the highest among Full Members.
⦿ Smriti Mandhana: 2,848 T20I runs at an average of 27.54, including 22 half-centuries.
⦿ Shafali Verma: 1,333 T20I runs at an incredible strike rate of 134.52.

India’s spin-heavy bowling attack, including Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav, will play a crucial role in the UAE’s slow pitches. Since January 2022, Deepti has taken more wickets (73) than any other bowler in women’s T20 internationals. In addition to her bowling, Deepti is also a handy batter, with 525 runs in T20Is over the last two years.

India’s batting will depend heavily on openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma. Mandhana has worked on her game against spin, which could prove vital in the UAE. Verma, known for her explosive hitting, can take the game away from the opposition in the first six overs of the powerplay.

India’s World Cup Track Record:

⦿ Consistently reached the semifinals in recent ICC events.
⦿ Finalists in the 2020 T20 World Cup, losing to Australia in a one-sided final.

While India has a history of stumbling in knockout games, the addition of a sports psychologist to their pre-tournament preparations could help them overcome these mental barriers. They’ve got the skill to compete with Australia, but they’ll need to be mentally tough to go all the way.

England: A Team with Something to Prove

England is another team with the firepower to challenge Australia. Historically strong in ICC events, they were the first team to win the Women’s T20 World Cup back in 2009 and have consistently reached the knockout stages.

Key players:

⦿ Nat Sciver-Brunt 2,469 runs at an average of 28.80 in T20Is, plus 82 wickets.
⦿ Sophie Ecclestone: 97 T20I wickets at an average of 17.74, ranked as one of the best spinners in the world.
⦿ Katherine Sciver-Brunt: A veteran pacer with 114 T20I wickets.

Nat Sciver-Brunt is England’s go-to player in high-pressure situations. In T20 World Cups, she has often been the backbone of their batting order. Meanwhile, Sophie Ecclestone leads their bowling attack with her world-class spin, making her a threat on UAE’s slow tracks.
While England’s batting has firepower, it’s their bowling that sets them apart. Katherine Sciver-Brunt, though in the twilight of her career, remains one of the most skilled bowlers in women’s cricket. In combination with Ecclestone, they form a potent bowling attack capable of dismantling even the strongest batting lineups.

England’s World Cup Track Record:

⦿ 2009 T20 World Cup Champions.
⦿ Regular semifinalists and finalists in recent editions.

England has been close to toppling Australia multiple times. However, they need to find that extra gear to get over the finish line, especially in the knockout rounds where Australia often rises to the occasion.

New Zealand: The Dark Horse

While New Zealand may not enter the tournament as favorites, they have the potential to cause an upset. They are in a tough group alongside Australia, India, and Pakistan, but with experienced players, they could surprise many.

Key players:

⦿ Sophie Devine: 3,014 runs in T20Is at a strike rate of 122.38, and 110 wickets.
⦿ Amelia Kerr: 58 T20I wickets at an economy of 5.95 and 604 runs.
⦿ Suzie Bates: One of the most experienced players with 3,809 runs in T20Is.

Sophie Devine, captain of New Zealand, is a game-changer. Her ability to hit big runs and bowl crucial overs makes her one of the most versatile players in the tournament. Paired with Amelia Kerr, who is deadly with her leg spin, New Zealand has a strong core.

The problem for New Zealand is their recent form. They are coming into the World Cup on a 10-match losing streak in T20s, which could dent their confidence. However, with seasoned veterans like Suzie Bates and Devine, they have the experience to pull themselves out of a slump when it matters most.

New Zealand’s World Cup Track Record:

⦿ Runners-up in 2009 and 2010 editions.
⦿ Struggling to make the semifinals in recent tournaments.

Other Teams to Watch: Pakistan and Sri Lanka

While India, England, and New Zealand are the primary challengers, other teams like Pakistan and Sri Lanka could spring a surprise or two.

Pakistan’s key players:

⦿ Muneeba Ali: The only centurion in the last T20 World Cup, 952 runs in 2024.
⦿ Fatima Sana: The new captain with experience in ICC tournaments, 41 wickets.

Sri Lanka’s key players:

⦿ Chamari Athapaththu: 2,400+ T20I runs, including a recent 69* in the Asia Cup final.
⦿ Harshitha Samarawickrama: 425 T20I runs in 2024, with a strike rate of 120.81.

Both teams have made strides in recent years, with Pakistan improving under new captain Fatima Sana and Sri Lanka winning their first Asia Cup in 2023. While they might not be the favorites to lift the trophy, they are certainly capable of causing an upset or two, especially if their star players perform on the day.

Conclusion: Will 2024 Be the Year?

Australia’s reign has been long and unchallenged, but 2024 feels different. Teams like India and England are closer than ever to dethroning them. Add in dark horses like New Zealand and unpredictable sides like Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup could be the most competitive one yet.

Will Australia hold on to their crown, or is it finally time for a new champion? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—this tournament will be full of excitement and surprises.

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