Only three matches remain in the ICC Women's World Cup 2022, arguably the most competitive World Cup in history. The first semi-final will pit favourites Australia, unbeaten in the league stage, against the West Indies. Unlike Australia, West Indies have had a bumpy ride, with close wins against New Zealand, England, and Bangladesh, and defeats against Australia, India, and Pakistan. A point from their washout against South Africa helped them secure a semi-final berth ahead of India.
Australia will miss Ellyse Perry due to a back spasm. However, so deep is their bench that it should not be a problem for them. Annabel Sutherland impressed as Perry's replacement in the group stage match, and should be the third all-rounder of the XI, alongside Ash Gardner and Tahlia McGrath.
Their power-packed top order – Alyssa Healy, Rachael Haynes, Meg Lanning and Beth Mooney – are in form. Lanning and Haynes are respectively the second and third highest run scorers of the World Cup. Interestingly, none of their bowlers is in the the top fifteen of the wicket-takers list. However, Jess Jonassen, Gardner, and Alana King have 23 wickets between them, while Darcie Brown is also in good form.
For West Indies, Hayley Matthews has been the star performer. Six years ago, she led her their successful chase in the T20 World Cup final against Australia at the Eden Gardens. With 226 runs and 10 wickets, she is at the top of both the runs and wickets charts for West Indies. Wicketkeeper Shemaine Campbelle, their second-highest run-scorer, will also be expected to step up along with Deandra Dottin and captain Stafanie Taylor.
Bowling remains their weak point, as none of their designated bowlers has played all the matches in the group stage. Things look particularly bleak after Afy Fletcher, down with Covie-19, has been ruled out for the rest of the World Cup. A lot will depend on Anisa Mohammed, Shamilia Connell, and Matthews.
Likely XIs
Australia: Alyssa Healy, Rachael Haynes, Meg Lanning (c), Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Annabel Sutherland, Alana King, Darcie Brown, Jess Jonassen, Megan Schutt.
West Indies: Deandra Dottin, Hayley Matthews, Stafanie Taylor (c), Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Chedean Nation, Kycia Knight, Shamilia Connell, Karishma Ramharack, Anisa Mohammed, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shakera Selman.
Fantasy Tips
- Most Australia players are in good form and should be popular picks. Pick as many of Lanning, Healy, Mooney, Haynes as you can.
- Try to pick as many of Gardner, Sutherland, and McGrath as possible.
- From West Indies, Matthews is a must-have. Other key picks can be Dottin, Campbelle, Fletcher, and Taylor.
Fantasy XI
Alyssa Healy (wk), Shemaine Campbelle; Meg Lanning (c), Rachel Haynes, Deandra Dottin; Hayley Matthews, Ash Gardner (vc), Tahlia McGrath; Alana King, Jess Jonassen, Afy Fletcher.