India will look to keep the multi-format series alive by beating Australia on 9 October, in the second T20I at the Carrara Oval, Queensland. They met less than 48 hours ago in the first T20I, where relentless rain forced them to split points. Australia are currently leading the series 7-5.
India seemed the better side that evening, although the Australian batters were not tested because of the weather. Jemimah Rodrigues, after being left out of the XI for the ODIs and the Test match, impressed the most with an unbeaten 49. She looked ominous throughout her 49 not out. The other Indian batters did not show any mercy to Australian bowlers either, and will hope to stage a similar show in this must-win contest.
India bat deep, and are unlikely to make any change in the line-up. Their bowlers, led by Shikha Pandey, did not get a chance in their last game. They will aim to put on a show against the formidable Australian batting unit, featuring Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, Meg Lanning, and Ellyse Perry.
Australia have too many bowling options in their roster even in the absence of Megan Schutt and Jess Jonassen. However, none of them was at their best two days ago. Ashleigh Gardner picked up two wickets, but conceded 28 in three overs. Introduced after the halfway mark, Georgia Wareham took 1-3 from eight balls before rain played spoilsport.
Australia may bring in Stella Campbell for Tayla Vlaeminck. Probably the quickest bowler of the side (if not the world), Vlaeminck conceded 32 in four overs without any success.
The weather is expected not to make further interruptions for the remaining two fixtures. Expect a cracker of a contest waiting for the viewers.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Back India. Appoint Smriti Mandhana captain. She has been in excellent form on this tour.
- Deepti Sharma can be a safe vice-captain option. She is handy with both bat and ball.
- You just cannot ignore Lanning if she is featuring in a match irrespective of which team you support.
Likely XIs
Australia: Meg Lanning (c), Alyssa Healy (wk), Beth Mooney, Ash Gardner, Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath, Nicola Carey, Sophie Molineux, Georgia Wareham, Hannah Darlington, Stella Campbell.
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Yastika Bhatia, Pooja Vastrakar, Deepti Sharma, Shikha Pandey, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh Thakur.
Prediction
India should win this match, and level the multi-format series 7-7.
Blitzpools Fantasy Team
Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana (c), Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, Beth Mooney, Ash Gardner, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma (vc), Shikha Pandey, Sophie Molineux, Georgia Wareham.