Australia were just about unstoppable in ODI cricket. Since dropping to India on the 2017 Girls’s International Cup semi-final, they have got misplaced handiest two fits whilst profitable 35. The closing time Meg Lanning’s ladies misplaced an ODI used to be in opposition to India closing yr. The 6-time champions have made a observation of intent, profitable all their 4 fits to this point through convincing margins.
India face the duty of preventing the Australian juggernaut as soon as once more, however Mithali Raj’s facet has been inconsistent to this point on the International Cup, profitable 2 and dropping 2 of their 4 fits. India had misplaced a intently contested sequence in Australia closing yr and ended the hosts’ 26-match profitable streak.
Within the previous sequence in opposition to New Zealand, Indian bowlers struggled to seek out rhythm however within the International Cup, the batting efficiency has been inconsistent with the group sitting at two wins and as many losses after 4 video games.
With 3 leagues video games last, India should achieve consistency in all departments and care for their position within the most sensible 4 to qualify for the semifinals.
“If I had a proof (for batting inconsistency), I’d have undoubtedly mentioned within the dressing room. Within the NZ sequence, our batters did neatly, the closing 4 fits (in WC) the batting has now not clicked as a unit and it’s one thing we want paintings on,” mentioned famous person opener Smriti Mandhana forward of the Australia conflict.
“I’m assured the next day to come shall be a really perfect sport for the batters. The bowlers are doing an incredible task for us, they want extra beef up from batters.”
Indian batters have get a hold of particular particular person performances however now not fired as a bunch.
Mithali and all-rounder Deepti Sharma have exchanged puts at quantity 3 within the first 4 video games however each are but to make notable contributions.
Smriti has proven most sensible variety and Harmanpreet being again amongst runs offers a large spice up to the group.
CAN JHULAN JOLT AUSTRALIA?
Veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami, who shall be taking part in her two hundredth ODI, has made an affect in all of the video games to this point and shall be anticipated to give you the early breakthroughs in opposition to the bold Australians.
Left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad has been the main wicket-taker for India with 8 wickets.
India controlled handiest 134 within the closing sport however the bowlers nonetheless controlled to stretch the sport and were given six English batters out.
They’ll need to have the ability to push aside in-form opener Rachael Haynes who has accrued 277 runs at a median of 92. Lots of the Australian gamers have contributed to the group’s unbeaten run within the event.
Ellyse Perry has starred each with bat and ball whilst spinners Alana King and Ashleigh Gardner have additionally been efficient.
Each the groups have advanced an intense contention over time and Australia shall be taking a look to avenge their semifinal loss within the 2017 version once they take the sphere at Eden Park on Saturday.
SQUADS
Australia: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Darcie Brown, Nic Carey, Ash Gardner, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Amanda-Jade Wellington.
India: Mithali Raj (c), Harmanpreet Kaur (vc), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Jhulan Goswami, Pooja Vastrakar, Meghna Singh, Renuka Singh Thakur, Taniya Bhatia (wk), Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Poonam Yadav. (With PTI Inputs)