Australia, having won all eight matches in the World Cup so far, will play England, who have won five matches on the trot after losing the first three matches, in the final of the 2022 Women’s World Cup, at the Hagley Oval on Sunday, 3 April. After some nail-biting matches and some impressive performances by all teams, the tournament is set to produce a finale between traditional rivals Australia and England.
Of the 11 World Cups till date, Australia have won six and England four. England also won the last edition, and will look to defend their title for the first time. Interestingly, while there has been no World Cup final without both Australia and England, both teams have not made it to the final since 1988.
Before the World Cup, the teams last met in the Ashes in Australia, a multi-format clash the hosts won without losing a match. And in the tournament, Australia beat England in a high-scoring contest. The teams have had contrasting fortunes in the league stage before winning their respective semi-finals comfortably.
One talking point here is the availability of Ellyse Perry, who missed the last two matches. As per latest updates, Perry is fit to play as batter, and chances are that she will join the in-form Meg Lanning, Rachael Haynes, Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy in the Australian top order. If Perry comes in for her replacement Annabel Sutherland, Australia will have one bowling option less – but even then they will have six of them.
England beat South Africa in the semi-final, largely due to Danni Wyatt's 129 and Sophie Ecclestone's 6-36. Wyatt, Tammy Beaumont and Nat Sciver will form the core of England’s batting along with captain Heather Knight. At least one, if not two, of them need to bat long and play a big innings. Sophia Dunkley impressed in the last two matches and will carry the responsibility of hitting during the death overs.
Anya Shrubsole helped them with two early wickets in the semi-final. She had also won the Player of the Match award in the last World Cup final. She will spearhead the attack along with Katherine Brunt here. Charlie Dean was not picked for the league match, but has since then established herself as an able spin partner to Ecclestone. The duo, along with Sciver and Kate Cross, will complete the bowling options for England.
Predicted XI:
Australia: Alyssa Healy (wk), Rachael Haynes, Meg Lanning (c), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath, Ash Gardner, Alana King, Darcie Brown, Jess Jonassen, Megan Schutt.
England: Tammy Beaumont, Danni Wyatt, Heather Knight (c), Nat Sciver, Amy Jones (wk), Sophia Dunkley, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Kate Cross, Anya Shrubsole.
Fantasy Tips:
- Australia are overwhelming favourites despite England’s form. Pack your side with as many Australians as possible.
- Lanning has a great records in the knockout matches, while and Healy came to form with a century in the semi-final. King, Jonassen, and Brown have also provided points regularly.
- For England, Sciver and Ecclestone are the most consistent performers. Other good options will include Knight, Wyatt, Brunt and Dunkley.
Fantasy XI:
Alyssa Healy; Meg Lanning (c), Beth Mooney, Danni Wyatt, Heather Night; Nat Sciver (vc), Ashleigh Gardner; Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Jess Jonassen, Alana King.