In what promises to be a thrilling showdown, India find themselves in a prime position as they  face defending champions Australia in this crucial ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 clash. With  Australia potentially missing key players like skipper Alyssa Healy and Tayla Vlaeminck due to  injuries, India has a golden opportunity to capitalise at this decisive stage of the tournament  and move forward in their pursuit to win their first-ever T20 World Cup title. The pressure will  be on both sides, but India’s form and Australia’s depleted squad set the stage for an  exhilarating contest with everything at stake. 

The Injury Factor 

The possible absence of Healy and Vlaeminck could tilt the balance slightly in India’s favor.  Healy’s unavailability would not only impact Australia’s batting and captaincy but also their  wicket-keeping duties, with Beth Mooney likely stepping in. Though Mooney is a seasoned  

cricketer, she’s not a frontline keeper, and in the slow, low-bounce conditions of Sharjah, where  keepers need to be sharp for stumpings and catches, this could pose a challenge for Australia.  Additionally, Mooney would have to juggle wicket-keeping in the heat and then turn around to  bat, adding further complexity to her role. 

What are Australia’s Strength? 

Despite potential injuries, Australia remains a formidable side. Their depth in both batting and  bowling is unparalleled in the women’s game. In their previous match, Australia boasted eight  genuine bowling options, with Annabel Sutherland coming in at number eight—a testament to  

their incredible resources. Even without Healy and Vlaeminck, Australia can reshuffle their  lineup, with options like Kim Garth, Darcie Brown, or even spinner Alana King, who many  believe deserves a more central role in their T20 squad. 

Players like Ellyse Perry, who has massively improved her game in the shortest format in recent  years, and Ashleigh Gardner, who is crucial with both bat and ball, will be vital. Australia’s ability  to rotate the strike and adapt to slow conditions is well-known, and their spinners could be key  on Sharjah’s pitch. 

India’s Best Chance: Power Play Dominance 

For India, the key to victory lies in the power play. On Sharjah’s slow pitch, winning the power  play will give India a strong chance to take control of the game. India’s top order, featuring  Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Harmanpreet Kaur, is in good form, and their ability to  strike early against an Australian side that might have to rejig its bowling lineup could prove  decisive.

Verma has been striking the ball well, Mandhana has runs under her belt from the last game,  and Harmanpreet Kaur, who has been slotted at number three, did a solid job in the last game  vs Sri Lanka. Confidence is high within the Indian camp, and if they can put pressure on Australia  early on, they can set the tone for the match. 

India’s bowling attack is well-suited to the conditions. The likes of Renuka Singh Thakur, who  took three wickets in the last game, and their spin-heavy lineup, including Deepti Sharma, will  be crucial in potentially exploiting Australia’s vulnerability on the slow, low Sharjah pitch. India’s  ability to contain Australia’s batting lineup, especially in the middle overs, could swing the  momentum in their favor. 

Australia’s Potential Adjustments 

Should Vlaeminck be ruled out, Australia may look to bring in Alana King for her spin option, or  they could opt for an extra pacer like Darcy Brown or Garth, depending on the conditions.  Australia will still rely on the brilliance of players like Gardner, Sutherland, and Perry, who are all  game-changers on their day. Phoebe Litchfield, an emerging superstar in women’s cricket, might  also get a more prominent role in the batting lineup with Healy out. 

Key Match-Ups 

The battle at the top will be critical. India’s openers—Verma, Mandhana, and Kaur—will need to  assert themselves in the power play, aiming to knock back Australia’s bowlers early on.  Meanwhile, Australia’s bowling unit, even without Healy’s leadership, will still pose a significant  threat with their depth and variety. 

For Australia, Beth Mooney’s dual role as keeper and batter will be closely watched, as will the  performance of their spinners, particularly if King is given a chance. Perry’s adaptability with the  bat, especially on slower pitches where rotating the strike is key, could also be a defining factor. 

Australia still have a slight edge over India despite the injuries, in my opinion. If India want to  win, they will need to dominate the power play and leverage their bowling attack to put  pressure on Australia. If they succeed, they could turn their lifeline into a historic victory.