Women’s World Cup, Semi-Finals – Australia v India: Predicted XI Of India

Jul 18, 2017 at 12:45 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
Women’s World Cup, Semi-Finals – Australia v India: Predicted XI Of India

India eves are now just two decisive steps away from laying their hands-on the conveted Women’s World Cup. Mithali Raj and her girls stormed into the finals in adominating fashion, registering a record breaking 186 runs win over New Zealand at the Conuty Ground to set the upcoming semi-final clash with Australia on Jusly 20th at the very same venue. The winner will meet either England or South Africa at the Lord’s in the all – important finals of the marquee event.

Backed by 6 wins out of 7 league matches, Australia begin as the favourites. The Meg Lanning-led side also have an psycoligical upper hand having thrashed Indian by 8 wickets barely a few days ago.

But, at the same time, it would be highly insensible to sideline India as potential favourites entirely. They have been slightly hot and cold but on their day promise to completely blow away their opponents. Their victories over England and New Zealand speak for their authorative showings.

Therefore, it would be safe to conclude the second semi- finals between the Southern stars and Women in Blue promises to be a intense contest where two equally worthy contestant will test each others capabilties.

Here is the predicted XI

Punam Raut

Punam Raut failed against New Zealand but that doesn’t put a shade of doubt over her current form. She has been impressive overall. In fact, her steady contributions have been the reason India never really bothered about the sudden loss of form with Mandhana experienced after the solid start to the tournament. Her consistency has currently put her 10th in list of the top run getters having scored 281 runs so far.

Also, Raut would love have a second go at her Australia  rivals after witnessing her 106 runs knock go in vain when the two sides last met in the league stages.

Smiriti Mandhana:

Smiriti Mandhana has made many fans superstitious. Social media suddenly has started to strongly believe in the concept of evil eye. The reason is crystal clear for the ones who have been following India’s campaign from the start. The left handed 20 year old from Sangli hammered knocks of 90 and 106* against England and West Indies respectively to help India kick off the World Cup journey in true authorative style. However since those two tons, her bat has gone silent as she has managed only scores of 2, 8, 4, 3 and 13 in the following 5 matches. Her place as the opener, however, will remain intact considering the impact her batting can have if she gets going.

Mithali Raj

The ‘Queen’ of Indian Cricket is at the pinnacle of her highly illustrious career. A huge chunk of batting responsibility will be on her shoulders. She is currently third in the highest run-getter list with 356 run from 7 matches at an average of 50.85 with just 16 runs separating her from England’s tammy Beaumont at the top. A solid knock from her willow will ensure a good total against the relatively stronger Australian batting line up.

Harmanpreet Kaur

From time to time, Harmanpreet Kaur has proved that she is an impact player; someone who never lets the team down during crunch times. Her patient, out of the skin, knock against New Zealand in the do or die fixture spoke volumes for her quality. Fans would once again wish to see her in top notch form against Australia and play the role of catalyst in India’s road to final.

Deepti Sharma

Attacking all-rounder Deepti Sharma will be a key to India’s success. As a highly versatile batswomen, Deepti has been used as a kind of floater by Mithali in the lineup and the teenager has lived up to the expectations most of the time barring a couple of failures which can be neglected as they weren’t complete chances. Her batting can be termed as slightly inconsistent in this tournament but that hasn’t bothered anyone at all. With her sharp off breaks, she has managed to be highly impactful, picking wicket consistently for her team and is currently the joint highest wicket taker for the team with 9 wickets.

Veda Krishnamurthy:

Veda Krishnamurthy saved herself from getting pitted against Mona Meshram for a place in the upcoming knockout. The latter was the first choice and played the 3 games but failed to make a mark which eventually led to Veda walking in to the team. The Karnataka right hander, however, also looked unimpressive, knocking scores of 29, 3, 0. But, she will most likely keep her place, all thanks to the 70 runs blitz off just 45 balls.

Sushma Verma:

No reasons to ponder about the wicket keeper’s place as Sush Verma continues to be the ideal choice or rather say the best choice.

Ekta Bist/ Rajeshwari Gayakwad:

In the must win fixture, Mithali made a rather stunning decision to rest Ekta Bist to bring in the like for like replacement Rajeshwari Gayakwad. Gayakwad made the most of the opportunity and ended becoming one of the main contributors of the massive win. This showing from the 26 year old now puts Mithali in a spot of confusion and will force her to decide between two high performing options, both left arm spinners, with only one spot manageable. Bist is currently the highest wicket taker for India while Gayakwad has the momentum with her. It will be interesting to see final decision.

Shikha Pandey

Right arm medium Shikha Pandey will open the bowling with veteran Jhulan Goswami. She took has gained consistency after each passing game and is easily the first choice seamer in the team. Her performance with the new ball bas been very impressive. In 5 matches, the right armer has picked 6 wicket at an sub-20 average and an economy of 3.86.

Jhulan Goswami

Jhulan Goswami, the senior member of the Indian side, will be desperate to make most of the opportunity. This is perhaps her last chance to fulfill her dream of winning the world cup. At 34, she has not let age define her performaces which can be understood by the fact that she has done an impressive job as a new ball bowler, picking 5 wickets in 7 games while also comtributing as the pinch hitter. Goswami will yet again lead the bowling attack and expectatio will be very high from her. A wreackage triggered by her in Australia’s top order would be a perfect start to India’s quest for a place in finals.

Poonam Yadav

Poonam Yadav, the leg spinner, has been the silent performer for the side. She currently has the second best economy – 3.45 – in the tournament and has picked at least a wicket in 6 matches out of the 7 she played with the present tally showing 8 wickets at an average of 23.75 with best bowling figures of 2/19. Along with Ekta Bisht, she has formed a great spin bowling partnership and has played a vital cog part India’s success so far.

Related Article
Cricket Confirmed As One Of Five New Sports In Olympics At Los Angeles In 2028
Cricket Confirmed As One Of Five New Sports In Olympics At Los Angeles In 2028

Oct 16, 2023, 2:22 PM


Mumbai’s “Junior Steyn” Karan Tiwari Commits Suicide
Mumbai’s “Junior Steyn” Karan Tiwari Commits Suicide

Aug 12, 2020, 6:02 PM


Rohit Sharma Talks How Cricket Will Be Changed In COVID-19 Pandemic
Rohit Sharma Talks How Cricket Will Be Changed In COVID-19 Pandemic

Aug 3, 2020, 1:41 AM


Five Indian Cricketers Who Invested In Startups!
Five Indian Cricketers Who Invested In Startups!

Aug 2, 2020, 12:00 PM


Five Cricketers And Their Role In Boxing
Five Cricketers And Their Role In Boxing

Aug 2, 2020, 11:00 AM


When Cricketers Left The Ground Due To Nature’s Call
When Cricketers Left The Ground Due To Nature’s Call

Jul 31, 2020, 6:00 PM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner