Women’s World T20 2018: Semi-Finals- Preview

After all the speculations, analysis and some riveting cricket on the pitch, the Women’s World Cup in the West Indies is set for the semi-finals, which is set to get underway today. Among the four participants, India and Windies have won four matches in their respective group phases and quite expectantly, they must be in a positive frame of mind ahead of the knockout stage.

Australia won three matches in a row, but their streak was ended by India. England, on the other hand, managed to win a couple of matches while losing one against Windies. All fours teams are power-packed and an exciting day is in store. Both the matches would be played at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound in Antigua, which will host its first games in the event.

Here’s the prelude of what’s on offer on the penultimate day of World T20:

Semi-Final 1: Australia vs Windies

Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy are the opening batswomen with skipper Meg Lanning at number three. The likes of Ashleigh Gardner and Elysse Villani are slotted to come at number four and five. Rachael Haynes and Ellyse Perry add depth to the batting. Perry and Gardner are also handy with the ball. Molineux, Kimmince, Wareham and Schutt are the other bowlers.

Australia Probable XI

Beth Mooney, Alyssa Healy (wk), Meg Lanning (C), Ashleigh Gardner, Elysse Villani, Rachael Haynes, Ellyse Perry, Sophie Molineux, Delissa Kimmince, Georgia Wareham, Megan Schutt

Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin are most likely to open the batting. Skipper Stefanie Taylor and Natasha McClean will bat at number three and four respectively. Matthews, Taylor and Dottin can also wield magic with the ball in hand. Kycia Knight is the designated wicketkeeper. Afy Fletcher is the specialist spinner with Selman and Connell being the fast bowlers.

Windies Probable XI

Hayley Matthews, Deandra Dottin, Stefanie Taylor (C), Natasha McLean, Kycia Knight (wk), Britney Cooper, Chinnelle Henry, Shemaine Campbelle, Afy Fletcher, Shakera Selman, Shamilia Connell

Match Timings: 1:30 IST (November 23); 16:00 local (November 22)

Semi-Final 2: India vs England

Mithali Raj is set to be back and she will open with Smriti Mandhana. Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur have to step up and deliver. Krishnamurthy, Hemalatha and Deepti have their parts to play as well. Anuja Patil is likely to retain her place in the eleven. Poonam Yadav, Radha Yadav and Deepti are the spin bowling options. Mansi Joshi is the pacer.

India Probable XI

Mithali Raj, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Veda Krishnamurthy, Dayalan Hemalatha/Anuja Patil, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Taniya Bhatia (wk), Mansi Joshi, Poonam Yadav

Danielle Wyatt and Tammy Beaumont are set to open the batting with Natalie Sciver at number three. Sciver will also bowl gentle medium pace. Skipper Heather Knight is slotted to bat at number four with wicketkeeper Amy Ellen Jones to follow. Sophie Ecclestone is the spinner with Linsey Smith, Dunkley and Anya Shrubrole being the other bowlers in the lineup.

England Probable XI

Danielle Wyatt, Tammy Beaumont, Natalie Sciver, Heather Knight (C), Amy Ellen Jones (wk), Lauren Winfield, Anya Shrubsole, Sophia Dunkley Brown, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith

Match Timings: 5:30 IST (November 23); 20:00 local (November 22)

Broadcast Details

TV – Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 HD

Live Streaming – Hotstar

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