The biggest Women’s T20 World Cup in history begins this week, and the question on every fan’s mind is simple: who wins? On the eve of the tournament, here is our verdict on the contenders — and the wildcards who could upend the bracket.
The favourites: Australia
It starts and, on form, may end with Australia. The six-time champions are the team to beat, with a frighteningly balanced squad: Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield with the bat, Megan Schutt’s pace, and a spin trio of Sophie Molineux, Alana King and Georgia Wareham. Their composed warm-up win over England underlined the gulf in depth. To win the title, someone has to beat Australia — easier said than done.
The biggest challengers: India and England
India have the talent to go all the way — Smriti Mandhana’s class, Shafali Verma’s power, and a smothering spin attack in Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav and Sree Charani. Their only barrier is the knockout-stage scar tissue of past near-misses. England, on home soil with passionate crowds, have the conditions and the slow bowling to win it — if they can fix a fragile top order that wobbled in warm-ups.
The dark horses
South Africa, recent global finalists, are the strongest of the chasers and capable of beating anyone. New Zealand bring wily experience, the West Indies carry match-winning X-factor in players like Deandra Dottin, and Pakistan have the spin and discipline to spring an upset. In a 12-team field, one inspired run could carry any of them deep.
The deciding factor
On English pitches, spin and the middle overs will likely decide the trophy. The team that best controls overs 7 to 15 — choking runs and taking wickets — holds the edge, which is why India, England and Australia, all spin-rich, sit atop the contenders. Powerplay starts and death-overs nerve will separate the rest.
The verdict
Head says Australia, the relentless favourites with the deepest squad. Heart says this could finally be India’s tournament, or England’s on home soil. But T20 cricket is gloriously unpredictable — a single brilliant innings or spell can rewrite everything, which is exactly why we watch.
The bottom line
Australia start as favourites, India and England as the prime challengers, and a clutch of dangerous dark horses lie in wait. The Women’s T20 World Cup promises drama from the opening ball — and by July 5 at Lord’s, we will know whether the favourites held firm or a new champion emerged.
Photo: NAPARAZZI / BY-SA via flickr