India, England and the Australia Women’s team had quite a competitive preparation for the upcoming women’s T20 World Cup as they locked horns with each other in the recently concluded T20I tri-series in Australia. The three teams produced some thrilling and exciting battles. It was India and Australia who qualified as the finalists with the hosts emerging as the eventual champions. Let us now have a look at the top performers from the series.
Smriti Mandhana: The Indian left-handed opening batter was the highest run-getter in the series. She kept taking India off to flying starts and amassed a total of 216 runs at an excellent average of 43.20. Her runs came at a healthy strike-rate of 136.70 and included two fifties as well. Mandhana is currently one of the best opening batsmen in Women’s T20s and she would be eager to carry this form forward into the World Cup.
Beth Mooney: She is another top-order batter who dominated the series. The Australian dasher amassed the second highest number of runs in the series. Mooney scored 208 runs at an outstanding average of 52. It included three fifties as well, one of which was a match-winning knock of 71* in the final against India. Mooney’s strength is her ability to anchor run-chases and she will be eager to step up with big runs whenever Australia require her to do so during the upcoming World Cup.
Rajeshwari Gayakwad: The Indian bowler once again showed why she is one of the best spinners in the world at the moment. Gayakwad was the highest wicket-taker during the series having picked up 10 wickets in only five matches at a mean economy rate of 6.30 and a strike-rate of 12.0. That included a best of 3 for 23 against England women as well. Gayakwad will be looking to continue with her wicket-taking spree in the World Cup as well.
Heather Knight: England didn’t qualify for the finals but Knight was a consistent batting force for the English eves during the series. She scored a total of 178 runs and was also third in the list of most runs by a batter during the series. Her runs came at an excellent average of 44 and included two fabulous half-centuries as well. Knight will be a crucial part of England’s middle-order during the World Cup as well.