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Australia beat India by 85 runs in final to win 2020 Women's T20 World Cup

MenInG

MenInG

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First game of the tournament:

Australia Women vs India Women, 1st Match, Group A
Feb 21 • 11:00 AM at Sydney Showground Stadium, Sydney
 
Nearly 14000 in crowd. India on the verge of beating the world champion, ranked #1, host and overwhelmingly favourite Australia!
 
Man Indians are crazy about cricket...even women’s game is being followed with so much passion..
 
One thing Indians so well is they bring so much colour and culture... folk dancers and all...
 
Pretty impressive from India's women's team
Beating Aus is not an easy thing
 
No wonder India is the most dominating nation when it comes to cricket, be it men's, women's or boys'.....we are second to none...we are the best.....

huge congratulations to India on beating Australia on their home turf....
 
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Mahee said:
No wonder India is the most dominating nation when it comes to cricket, be it men's, women's or boys'.....we are second to none...we are the best.....

huge congratulations to India on beating Australia on their home turf....
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This Aussies women team is ATG. Today's win by India is very good but that doesn't make us the best.
 
England women team is too good. India should enjoy this win coz Aus women will take revenge soon enough!
 
Australia Women vs India Women, 1st Match, Group A
Feb 21 • 11:00 AM at Sydney Showground Stadium, Sydney
AUSW 115-all out (19.5 Ovs) • INDW 132/4 (20.0 Ovs)

India Women won by 17 runs
 
Yadav spins India to superb opening-day victory

Poonam Yadav’s leg-spinning masterclass saw India complete an unlikely turnaround to open the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 in style with a pulsating victory over Australia.

Poonam Yadav of India celebrates with teammates after dismissing Ellyse Perry of Australia during the ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup match between Australia and India at Sydney Showground Stadium on February 21, 2020 in Sydney, Australia.

The defending champions looked to be cruising in their chase of 133 but four wickets for six runs from Yadav saw the game flip on its head at the Sydney Showground.

Alyssa Healy had returned to form with a timely 51 but her teammates struggled around her, Ashleigh Gardner (34) the only other batter into double figures.

Shafali Verma’s opening burst had set India on their way with the bat while Deepti Sharma’s career-best 49 not out steered them to 132 for four, a total that eventually proved defendable.

Healy failed to reach double figures in her previous six innings but started positively at the Showground, a plethora of boundaries lighting up her innings.

The openers put 32 on for the first wicket but Beth Mooney fell for six at the end of the Powerplay, caught at backward point off Shikha Pandey (three for 14), while captain Meg Lanning was caught behind off Rajeshwari Gayakwad.

A full toss thumped over deep midwicket took Healy to 50 but the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2018 top-scorer fell next ball when offering a return catch for Yadav’s first wicket.

The spinner has the most wickets for India in women’s T20Is and showed exactly why in her next over, deceiving Rachael Haynes with a googly to be stumped by Tanya Bhatia.

Ellyse Perry was bowled without scoring – nine years since her previous first-ball dismissal – and Yadav was inches from a hat-trick when Bhatia dropped an edge from Jess Jonassen.

But she wasn’t to be denied her fourth scalp with Jonassen getting a fine edge when attempting to sweep, Bhatia atoning for her error with the catch.

Gardner struck a superb six down the ground off Gayakwad to keep Australia fighting but partner Annabel Sutherland was the seventh wicket to fall when Pandey had her stumped, brilliant work from Bhatia completing the job.

Delissa Kimmince was then run out while Gardner and Megan Schutt fell in the last over, Australia all out for 115 to lose by 17 runs.

Sharma’s unbeaten 49 earlier helped India battle their way to 132 after their star batters fell within the first seven overs.

Verma started in outstanding fashion with 29 from just 15 balls, with four boundaries in one Schutt over the highlight of a stunning opening to the tournament.

A magnificent loft over mid-on for six saw Molly Strano – drafted into the XV at the expense of injured Tayla Vlaeminck – under pressure as India raced to 40 without loss in four overs.

Smriti Mandhana’s supporting role ended when trapped lbw by Jonassen (two for 24) and from there Australia forced their way back into the match.

Verma miscued a pull to mid-on off Perry while Harmanpreet Kaur was out in the next over, stumped off Jonassen after the ball ricocheted off ealy’s knee.

India needed to rebuild thereon with Sharma and Jemimah Rodrigues (26) tasked with taking the innings deep, though Australia ensured the boundaries dried up.

Indeed there were just three in the last 16 overs of the innings though Sharma and Rodrigues kept the scoreboard ticking the singles, while the former swept herself into the 40s with boundaries off Jonassen.

Rodrigues eventually fell lbw to Kimmince while Schutt finished wicketless for the first time in 24 T20I innings, a record dating back to October 2018.

It seemed at halfway that the lack of boundaries would prove key but India had other ideas, reducing the hosts from 67 for two to 115 all out to complete a remarkable start to the Women’s T20 World Cup.

Scores in brief

India beat Australia by 17 runs, Sydney Showground

India 132-4, 20 overs (Deepti Sharma 49 not out, Shafali Verma 29; Jess Jonassen 2-24)
Australia 115 all out, 19.5 overs (Alyssa Healy 51; Poonam Yadav 4-19, Shikha Pandey 3-14)
 
Advaith said:
Australia is a better team in every aspect ...this is a fluke victory..
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In the recent tri-series, India beat Australia once and lost to them in the final by just 11 runs. Indian team is better than what most people give them credit for.
 
Taylor leads by example as West Indies survive Thailand scare

Teenager Nannapat Koncharoenkai scored 33 to keep Thailand within reach of a Women’s T20 World Cup win on their debut
Thailand chose to bat first on their global debut but struggled to score heavily at the WACA, leaving teenage keeper-batter Nannapat Khoncharoenkai to step up and anchor the innings with 33 from 48 balls.

Captain Taylor held their Group B opponents to 78 for nine with her three wickets, but Thailand’s fielding strength came to the fore with Lee-Ann Kirby, Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin all departing before the seventh over to spark thoughts of an upset.

But Taylor and Shemaine Campbelle stayed firm and their unbeaten fourth-wicket partnership of 53 sealed the win.

Thailand were quickly troubled by the WACA pace, with Nattaya Boochatham caught at mid-off off Chinelle Henry while Shamila Connell had other opener Natthakan Chantham caught behind.

Having restricted the debutants to 12 for two within four overs, Henry continued for a third successive over and Khoncharoenkai soon found her groove when she pulled a full toss to the boundary.

It was an impressive yet calm performance from the 19-year-old who stabilised the innings from the third wicket, but her 35-run partnership with Naruemol Chaiwai (13) came to an end after seven overs when Aaliyah Alleyne caught the latter at mid-off off Anisa Mohammed.

Matthews took her first scalp when she had Chanida Sutthiruang caught and bowled for three while Taylor dismissed opposite number Sornnarin Tippoch for just 1.

The wickets kept rapidly fell around Khoncharoenkai with Taylor bagging a second when Kirby dived and snaffled Onnicha Kamchomphu - in at seven - for a duck.

With two overs remaining, Khoncharoenkai tried to up the tally and hit an Afy Fletcher delivery over the top but Kirby - playing in her international in 12 years - produced another impressive catch to her right to dismiss Thailand’s batting rock.

Chasing 79, West Indies’ were dealt an early blow as Kirby’s international comeback ended prematurely, Chaiwai producing the play of the day with a quick pick-up and direct hit to claim her country’s first Women’s T20 World Cup wicket.

That moment was a spark for Thailand, Soraya Lateh sneaking a second wicket when bowling Matthews, who played across the line, for 16 for her first international victim.

It got even better for Tippoch’s side as Dottin was run out by Suleeporn Laomi to leave West Indies on 27 for three.

But Taylor (26 not out) brought West Indies up to 50 with three boundaries and Campbelle (25 not out) swept three of her own to steer her country to their first WT20I victory in nine games and an opening success in Group B.

Scores in brief

West Indies beat Thailand by seven wickets, WACA Ground, Perth
Thailand 78-9, 20 overs (Nannapat Khoncharoenkai 33; Stafanie Taylor 3-13)
West Indies 80/3, 16.4 overs (Stafanie Taylor 26 not out, Shemaine Campbell 25 not out; Soraya Lateh 1-21)
 
Record-breaking Devine continues brilliance in Perth

Chamari Atapattu (41) and Hasini Perera’s 60-run first wicket - Sri Lanka’s best opening partnership in T20Is - gave them a bright start but Hayley Jensen’s career-best bowling sent middle-order wickets tumbling at the WACA.

It took time for New Zealand to get the 128-run chase going but captain Devine led by example, becoming the only player, male or female, to register more than five consecutive 50+ scores in the format, en route to the seven-wicket victory.

The Sri Lanka openers put on an impressive 60 for the first wicket, with Devine, Leigh Kasperek and Lea Tahuhu all unable to find a Powerplay breakthrough.

But up stepped teenager Amelia Kerr to cause problems on the fast track, the 19-year-old claiming the first wicket of the evening when she bowled Perera for 20 in the eighth over.

Perera didn’t fall without her fine moments though, her scoop over wicket-keeper Rachel Priest giving the Sri Lankan contingent at the WACA plenty of reason to cheer.

Atapattu’s 41, which included five fours and two sixes, built a solid base but the Sri Lanka captain was caught and bowled by the pacey Tahuhu.

The White Ferns were able to put the brakes on thereafter, Jensen claiming two wickets in an over when Anushka Sanjeewani’s attempt over the top was caught by Bates running back before Devine caught Shashikala Siriwardena at short mid-wicket.

Nilakshi de Silva was the next to fall as the middle-order crumbled, Kerr taking the catch at backward point for Devine’s first wicket before the spinner got a second breakthrough of her own.

Harshitha Madavi kept fighting with an unbeaten 27 off 26 balls but Sri Lanka finished at 127 for seven as Jensen bagged her third.

The White Ferns chase started slowly, openers Devine and Priest failing to take advantage of the Powerplay before the latter was run out by Madavi for six.

Held at 25 for one after six overs, New Zealand were lagging a fair way behind Sri Lanka who were 51 without loss at the same stage, with Devine not at her fluent best.

But the skipper ground it out in Perth, joining up with Bates for a 40-run second-wicket stand to steady the ship.

Bates perished at the hands of Kavisha Dilhari but Maddy Green came in at four and guided the chase superbly, taking the pressure off her skipper with a career-best 29 off 20.

With less than a run-a-ball required, Devine finally freed her arms – two sixes finishing off the chase with two overs to spare as the White Ferns tasted early success in Group A.

Scores in brief

New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets, WACA Ground, Perth

Sri Lanka 127-7, 20 overs (Chamari Atapattu 41; Hayley Jensen 3-16, Amelia Kerr 2-21)
New Zealand 131-3, 17.4 overs (Sophie Devine 75 not out, Maddy Green 29; Kavisha Dilhari 1-19)
 
Du Preez the hero for South Africa on 100th T20I appearance

Mignon du Preez of South Africa and Sune Luus of South Africa celebrate after scoring the winning runs during the ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup match between England and South Africa at the WACA on February 23, 2020 in Perth, Australia.

Mignon Du Preez hit a six and a four in the final over to steer South Africa to their first Women’s T20 World Cup victory over England
Dane Van Niekerk and Marizanne Kapp put on 84 in Perth to lay the foundations

Natalie Sciver hit a half-century but England struggled for rhythm with the bar

Nat Sciver’s half-century proved to be in vain at the WACA as England lost to South Africa for the first-time in the 20-over tournament.

A three-wicket haul from Ayabonga Khaka and two apiece for Dane van Niekerk and Marizanne Kapp prevented Lisa Keightley’s side from building momentum with the bat.

And the Van Niekerk and Kapp pairing shone again at the crease, combining for 84 to lay the foundations for Chloe Tryon (12) and Du Preez (18 not out) to wrap up the win in a thrilling finish in Perth.

Amy Jones got England off to a blistering start with four boundaries in the first three overs but Kapp ensured her stint was short-lived as the opener was caught at mid-off for 23 by Tryon.

It didn’t take long for the Proteas to strike again as Danni Wyatt was dismissed for two off Khaka’s first ball of the tournament, Lizelle Lee with the diving catch at backward point.

England’s batting woes continued with the introduction of van Niekerk’s spin, the South Africa captain dismissing opposite number Heather Knight who tried to hit her over the top, only to be brilliantly caught by Shabnim Ismail at long-on.

The middle-order pairing of Sciver and Fran Wilson were under pressure to accelerate the innings but only managed to push on to 72 before Wilson was dismissed in similar style to Knight to give Van Niekerk figures of two for 20.

Sciver’s 50 helped England reach three figures but from then on the wickets rapidly fell, Katherine Brunt perishing before the top-scorer was bowled by Khaka.

It was two quick scalps for Khaka within the over as Tryon snaffled a sharp catch to dismiss Lauren Winfield, before Kapp returned with one last strike to trap Tammy Beaumont lbw to halt England at 123 for eight.

England made up for the late wicket crumble by inflicting damage onto their opponents early, Lizelle Lee perishing for four when lofting Anya Shrubsole straight to Winfield in the circle.

Kapp and Van Niekerk produced an 84-run partnership for the second wicket to keep the Proteas ticking along, but England managed to up the required rate.

First, Kapp was caught and bowled by Women’s T20 World Cup debutant Sarah Glenn for 38 before Beaumont denied van Niekerk a 50 when she caught the skipper off Ecclestone with four overs to play.

A late attack from Tryon made for a nervous ending at the WACA and England may have thought they were safe when she was bowled by Ecclestone’s last delivery.

But two big hits from Du Preez off Brunt sealed a maiden win for the Proteas over England in the tournament, marking the perfect start to their campaign in Group B.

Scores in brief

South Africa beat England by six wickets, WACA Ground, Perth
England 123-8, 20 overs (Nat Sciver 50; Ayabonga Khaka 3-25, Marizanne Kapp 2-19)
South Africa 127-4, 19.4 overs (Dane van Niekerk 46, Marizanne Kapp 38; Sophie Ecclestone 2-19)
 
South Africa beat England by six wickets in the final over of their ICC Women's T20 World Cup opener in Perth.

England fought hard with the ball to take it down to the wire after Nat Sciver's 50 had led them to 123/8 and given them a sniff at the interval, but Mignon Du Preez and Sune Luus got their side over the line.

Heather Knight's team would have felt below par with the bat, struggling to find the boundary throughout with South Africa's bowlers making it hard to score at a pace.

But it was a similar story in South Africa's reply. Dane van Niekerk and Marizanne Kapp combined for an 84-run partnership but England controlled the rate and were always in the game.

A flurry of late wickets got South African hearts racing - and perhaps with 33 needed from the final three overs England were even in the ascendancy - but some late hitting saw it go the Proteas' way.

It leaves England - like hosts Australia - effectively needing to win their remaining group games in order to progress to the semi-finals. They face Thailand next in Canberra on Wednesday February 26.

QUOTES

Heather Knight: "We didn't quite get enough runs on the board and it was going to be tricky to defend that total on that pitch but the bowlers did tremendously well.

"We showed a lot of fight and all of the bowlers made it tough for South Africa.

"It's not panic stations, far from it, it could easily have gone the other way and we know that we've got a lot more to give."
 
Centurion Du Preez gets Proteas over the line to famous victory



Sunday, 23 February 2020

Mignon du Preez celebrated her 100th appearance in the T20 format in the most memorable fashion imaginable when she hit a 6 and a 4 in the final over to get the Momentum Proteas home to a six-wicket victory over England with two balls to spare in their opening match at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at the WACA in Perth on Sunday.

It was one of their most famous victories ever and their first over England in a major ICC event.

The Proteas had gone into a testing final over, needing 9 runs off six balls from the experienced Katherine Brunt. She had a new partner in Sune Luus and after a couple of singles the veteran took charge to hit the two boundaries that got them over the line.

“This is a special day for our cricket,” commented Proteas captain Dane van Niekerk who was named Player of the Match for her contribution with bat and ball and her inspiring leadership. “Mignon is one of the most respected women’s cricketers in South Africa.”

It was a victory based on experience with the senior players taking the lead in getting the team home. It started when Shabnim Ismail took a brilliant running catch in the deep to get rid of England captain Heather Knight.

The 8 England wickets to fall were shared by the experienced quartet of Van Niekerk (2/20), Marizanne Kapp (2/19), Ismail (1/26) and Ayabonga Khaka who had the best return of 3/25.

Van Niekerk (46 off 51 balls, 2 fours and 2 sixes) and Kapp (38 off 33 balls, 6 fours) then laid the foundation for the successful chase with their second-wicket partnership of 84 in 13 overs before first Chloe Tryon with a six and then Du Preez applied the finishing touches.

The result gets the Proteas campaign off to an excellent start as they are in a tight group in which only two of the five teams qualify for the semi-final.

Their next outing is against the group outsiders, Thailand, on Friday and they then finish their group with matches against the Windies and Pakistan.
 
Unlikely hero Haynes spares Australia’s blushes against Sri Lanka

Rachael Haynes was the hero for Australia with a classy half-century to help the hosts overcome a mighty scare against Sri Lanka in Perth.

Haynes hit 60 as Australia avoided a Sri Lanka scare to record their first win of the tournament

Nerves were palpable in Perth when Alyssa Healy, Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney all fell in the Powerplay

Megan Schutt and Nicola Carey took two wickets apiece, while Chamari Athapaththu hit 50 for Sri Lanka

Chamari Athapaththu’s half-century set Sri Lanka on their way but two wickets apiece from Nicola Carey, who missed the India game, and Molly Strano, who came in to replace the injured Tayla Vlaeminck in the squad, held them at 122 for six.

Australian hearts were racing when Alyssa Healy, Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney all fell within four overs in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Group A match.

But a stunning 60 from Haynes in a solid partnership with captain Meg Lanning ensured their tournament hopes stayed alive with a five-wicket victory at the WACA.

Australia didn’t hesitate in showing their intent as Megan Schutt struck early with her third ball, Mooney with an easy catch at point to remove Hasini Perera for a duck.

It took until the end of the Powerplay for Athapaththu to see her next partner fall as Umesha Thimeshani was removed by Carey for 20, Jess Jonassen with the catch at mid-off.

It was yet another impressive outing for Athapaththu against the Australians, her 38-ball half-century taking Sri Lanka to 91 but the hosts finally took their third wicket when the captain blasted the ball straight to opposite number Lanning.

Anushka Sanjeewani’s 25 helped Sri Lanka edge to three figures but the number four was caught by Delissa Kimmince off Strano’s bowling before Ama Kanchana perished for a duck two balls later.

Two boundaries from Nilakshi de Silva in her late cameo helped Sri Lanka get to 120 but she was stumped by Healy in Jonassen’s final over.

Australia suffered a nightmare start to their chase, Udeshika Prabodani bowling Healy for a duck from the second ball.
And Prabodani’s second over started just as brightly as her first as she produced another stunning in-swing delivery to remove Gardner for two.

The hosts, who knew the importance of a win at the WACA after losing to India in Sydney, soon found themselves in deep trouble when Sanjeewani stumped Mooney to leave them 10 for three after 20 balls.

Australian breaths were held when Kavisha Dilhari thought she’d trapped Haynes lbw, but review showed the number five had got an inside edge.

And Haynes’ survival proved crucial in saving the hosts’ tournament hopes, the left-hander steering a 95-run partnership with Lanning (41) for the fourth wicket to lower the required rate.

Two successive sixes in the 15th over put the hosts firmly back in control and even when Haynes was stumped by Sanjeewani in the 17th, Australia were almost home.

And with Carey bowled by Athapaththu at the death, it was captain Lanning who saw her side home in her 100th T20I appearance with three balls to spare.

Scores in brief

Australia beat Sri Lanka by five wickets, WACA Ground, Perth
Sri Lanka 122-6, 20 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 50; Nicola Carey 2-18, Molly Strano 2-23)
Australia 123-5, 19.3 overs (Rachael Haynes 60, Meg Lanning 41 not out; Udeshika Prabodani 2-17, Shashikala Siriwardena 2-20)
 
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Verma’s scintillating start steers India to second win

Shafali Verma’s early sixes and Poonam Yadav’s latest starring role helped India secure an 18-run ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 victory over Bangladesh in Perth.

Shafali Verma of India bats during the ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup match between India and Bangladesh at WACA on February 24, 2020 in Perth, Australia.

Shafali Verma hit a 17-ball 39, including four sixes, in the Powerplay to put India en route to a second successive win
Nigar Sultana Joty top scored with the bat for Bangladesh (35) in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup opener at the WACA

Verma smashed a 17-ball 39, including four sixes, in the Powerplay to steer India to the highest total of the competition so far with 142 for six.

Two wickets apiece for Salma Khatun and Panna Ghosh were not enough to halt momentum, nor 35 runs from top-scorer Nigar Sultana Joty as Bangladesh fell short of an upset at the WACA.

Yadav, the hero in India’s opening-night victory with four wickets against Australia, once again impressed to take her total to the tournament to seven after just two matches.

India lost Tanya Bhatia early but 16-year-old Verma once again showed her star potential by hitting two fours and four sixes in her first 15 balls to steer her country to the highest Powerplay score of the tournament so far at 54 for two.

Verma’s stint was however short-lived, Shamima Sultana juggling a catch off captain Khatun to halt the teenager’s impressive knock at 39.

Bangladesh’s third wicket was a big one as captain Harmanpreet Kaur was dismissed for eight, Rumana Ahmed with the catch at backward point for Panna’s second scalp.

Jemimah Rodrigues posted a steadying 34 off 37 before being run out by Nahida Akter as Bangladesh slowed the rate.

Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh put on 19 for the fifth wicket before the latter was caught at the boundary by Nahida for 14 as captain Salma doubled her tally.

Sharma was the next to depart, run-out after a mix-up in the middle with Veda Krishnamurthy (20), who swept four boundaries in her late cameo to take India to an impressive 142 in the absence of Smriti Mandhana.

In contrast, Bangladesh’s start was slow and Shamima was the first to perish when caught at extra cover off Shikha Pandey.

Murshida Khatun’s 30 off 26 got the wheels in motion but the opener was dismissed in the seventh by Arundathi Reddy, Richa Ghosh with the catch at extra cover.

Sanjida Islam (10) and Nigar Sultana (35) put on a 17-run third wicket stand until the former was caught behind by Bhatia off Yadav, before Reddy got her second wicket as Fargana Hoque fell for a duck.

Five boundaries from Nigar Sultana upped the total but she lost her partner Fahima Khatun for 17 in the 15th over as opening-night hero Yadav took her second scalp.

The wickets kept on falling at the WACA, Nigar Sultana was the next victim as Reddy caught her off Rajeshwari Gayakwad before Jahanara Alam was dismissed for ten.

Shikha Pandey took her second wicket by bowling Ahmed in the final over, but Yadav finished the evening with the best bowling figures of three for 18 as India made it two from two in Group A.

Scores in brief

India beat Bangladesh by 18 runs, WACA Ground, Perth

India 142-6, 20 overs (Shafali Verma 39, Jemimah Rodrigues 34; Salma Khatun 2-25, Panna Ghosh 2-25)
Bangladesh 124-8, 20 overs (Nigar Sultana Joty 35, Poonam Yadav 3-18, Shikha Pandey)
 
Mohammed calling for improvements ahead of Pakistan clash

Anisa Mohammed wants more from West Indies’ batters and challenged them to put a big score on the board in their Group B clash with Pakistan.

West Indies are one from one after beating Thailand in their openerBut they were far from convincing from the bat, as past failings returnedPakistan are playing their first match of the tournament in Canberra

The Windies batting line-up is prone to collapse - dismissed in double figures five times since the last T20 World Cup and bowled out for 71 by Australia in their 2018 semi-final on home soil.

Unconvincing in chasing down 79 to beat Thailand in their tournament opener, off-spinner Mohammed believes their batters must do their bit and help out the bowlers.

“I think our batting just needs to improve a bit,” said the vice-captain.

“Our fielding and our bowling against Thailand was spot on - the seamers set the tone and as spinners, we enjoyed the bounce we got from the pitch.

“As a group we’ve had to fill in for Shakera (Selman) and we did that, she’s a big bowler and they are big shoes to fill.

“Pakistan have some good players and they’re a very different team from when we played them in previous series.

“I think they’re a pretty good team. Their bowling is really their strength, so hopefully our batters can counter that and put a total on the board for us to bowl at.

“All teams in this competition are strong, everyone’s here to win and to qualify. We’re taking every game very seriously.”

West Indies and Pakistan are familiar foes, contesting two warm-up matches in the weeks leading up to the tournament and playing out an entertaining three-match series 12 months ago.

Pakistan’s Nida Dar claims her side can capitalise on the six-hitting bravado of West Indies after watching them struggle to rotate strike against debutants Thailand.

“West Indies want to show their skills, because they are strong, and hit a boundary from every ball,” said the all-rounder.

“They were very disturbed by the pace Thailand bowled to them. Slower balls and variations can be very helpful for us against them as they try to hit hard every time.

“Maybe in our match they’ll adapt to conditions and try to rotate the strike. Asian teams are giving tough times to everyone at the World Cup and our spinners will try to do the same.”

Stafanie Taylor’s side is laced with experience, boasting more T20I caps in their squad than any other nation at the World Cup.

Bismah Maroof’s outfit, by contrast, have an average age of 25 and fewer combined caps than all teams apart from Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Nida, whose Big Bash League experience with Sydney Thunder will be crucial for her side, feels Pakistan can profit from a fresh-faced make-up.

“Our youth is the best thing about our team,” said the 33-year-old.

“West Indies won’t know all of our players and some of them will be a surprise package. I’m in a team of very talented players with a mix of senior and junior players.

“I hope they’re looking forward to playing at the World Cup. We just want to show our skills.”
 
Lahore, 25 February 2020:

Pakistan national women’s team will begin their journey in the all-important ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on Wednesday against the West Indies Women in Canberra.

Under the captaincy of Bismah Maroof, who will be leading the side in a world event for the first time, Pakistan will be eying to secure a semi-final berth for the first time.

Since the last ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2018, Pakistan have featured in 14 T2oIs. They have won six matches, lost seven and one of them ended in a tie - the second of the three-T20Is in Karachi, which the West Indies won in Super Over.

Pakistan are drawn in Group B and, after their tournament opener tomorrow, they will take on England women (28 February) also in Canberra, and South Africa women and Thailand women (1 and 3 March respectively) in Sydney in the ten-team event, which will feature 23 matches, including the final on the international women’s day (Sunday, 8 March) across 17 days.

Pakistan’s 15-member squad boasts an exciting blend of young and senior players. On the back of her extraordinary run in the National Triangular T20 Women’s Cricket Championship 2019-20 which saw her accumulate 292 runs, including a century and three half-centuries, at an average of 58.40, Muneeba Ali was recalled in the side.

Ayesha Naseem, an exciting 16-year-old hard-hitting batter, is all set to make her debut, while pacer Aimen Anwar, who is also returning to the national side, is expected to take the new ball with Diana Baig.

The presence of their captain Bismah, who is the only Pakistan batter to have more than 2,000 runs and has the most half-centuries (11) in 106 T20Is from Pakistan, Nida Dar, who has 1,086 runs 92 wickets at an average of 17.82 in 98 T20Is, and Javeria Khan, the second highest run-getter with 1,744 in 97 T20Is, provide the desired shorter-format experience and form the core of the batting department.

Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig and Aroob Shah, a 16-year-old leg-spinner, boost the bowling department.

Along with their presence, Pakistan will be pinning their hopes on Anam Amin, who has the most scalps for Pakistan since the last edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in West Indies with 13 wickets at 16.07 in eight matches and will spearhead the bowling attack.

The slow left-arm orthodox, who is a new-ball specialist, was the leading wicket-taker in the National Triangular T20 Women’s Cricket Championship 2019-20 with seven wickets at 13.71.

She is currently ranked 13th in the ICC Rankings for T20I bowlers and is hopeful that she will break into the top 10 once again over the course of the ongoing World Cup.

Anam Amin said: “My target is to help Pakistan make history by qualifying for the semi-finals. “I am very excited for this World Cup and my aim is to deliver to the best of my abilities and be amongst the top 10 bowlers.

“I have been passionate about cricket since my childhood and I used to play tape-ball cricket with boys in the streets. Initially, I faced opposition by my mother on the prospect of taking cricket as a profession. But, I got a lot of support from my father and grandfather. As soon as I broke into the national side, my mother not only accepted me as a cricketer but she now tells me to pick at least two to three wickets every match.”

Pakistan squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup:

Bismah Maroof (captain), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, Javeria Khan, Muneeba Ali, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Nawaz (wicketkeeper) and Syeda Aroob Shah


Upcoming fixtures:

26 February – West Indies v Pakistan, 1pm (PST)

28 February – England v Pakistan, 1pm (PST)

1 March – South Africa v Pakistan, 9am (PST)

3 March – Pakistan v Thailand, 9am (PST)
 
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The hiccup of the world's best Twenty20 nations has given Pakistan hope of causing an upset and reaching their maiden semi-final at the Cricket World Cup.

Six nations have descended on Canberra for five World Cup matches at Manuka Oval, with Pakistan set to begin their campaign against the West Indies on Wednesday.

They'll be joined by their Group B rivals England, South Africa and Thailand, while Australia play Bangladesh in the other pool.

Pakistan have never advanced to the semi-finals in their six appearances at the World Cup, but England and Australia's opening-round losses has strengthened their cause to dream.

World No.6 South Africa beat England by six wickets with two balls to spare on Sunday, while India stunned Australia by 17 runs.

Pakistan are the second lowest-ranked team in their group behind England, South Africa and the West Indies. Fast bowler Aiman Anwer says the gap between nations is closing and takes confidence in the changing playing field.

"It gives us a boost that the lower-ranked teams have the capacity and have been able to beat the big teams," Anwer said.

"So this tournament is open for all of us. We have so far learned we are also capable of beating the best teams here."

Anwer will make her World Cup debut at Manuka Oval on Wednesday night and is also playing in Australia for the first time.

Pakistan have been training under lights this week to adjust to the conditions as well as the venue's flat wicket.

Manuka Oval has the reputation of being a batter's paradise and Anwer says they've had plenty of practice on similar decks.

"We found the wickets similar to those we've been practising on in Pakistan," Anwer said.

"Maybe because of the rain the wickets are slow, so this works in our favour. We'd like to keep going with this.

"We've had a late start [to the tournament] but it's given us time to practice, so we just can't wait for the game to start.

"We know winning our first game would give us a boost and we want to have a good match, mainly. The result will definitely matter moving forward and we want to win."

The West Indies were tested by Thailand in their World Cup opener, beating the minnow nation by seven wickets in Perth on Saturday.

They haven't played in Canberra since losing to Australia by six runs in 2014, a T20 match batter Hayley Matthews fondly looks back on.

The 21-year-old from Barbados equaled Ellyse Perry with 62 not out and a strike rate of 119.23, a feat she's eager to replicate when she returns on Wednesday.

"It was a pretty good wicket, so I hope over the last couple of years it's gotten even better and we can get some good scores in the first match," Matthews said.

"We're hoping to win all of our games. The World Cup is a huge tournament and whoever makes the least mistakes will come out on top.

"Hopefully we can get there, execute our plans and keep momentum rolling into the big games.

"There's a lot of dangerous teams in this group, so it's going to be challenging for us. We've come here with a strong team and we're feeling confident, we just need to go our there and win."

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6646256/powerhouses-t20-world-cup-pain-may-be-pakistans-gain/
 
Haynes, Carey, Strano: The heroes when the hosts needed it most

If Australia’s start has taught us anything about the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020, it’s to expect the unexpected.

Rachael Haynes was the star for Australia on Monday, hitting 60 to help Australia avoid a shock defeat to Sri LankaNicola Carey and Molly Strano took two wickets apiece, including that of Chamari Athapaththu, to stall Sri Lanka’s momentumConfidence in batting depth will help hosts find momentum, says Haynes

An opening-night loss to India was never inconceivable but their close shave against Sri Lanka is the tournament scare that few saw coming.

With the hosts never losing to Sri Lanka across limited-over formats, the 5,280 fans who turned up at the WACA quickly fell silent when Alyssa Healy, Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney all fell within four overs.

The defending champions were staring down the barrel of not only another group-stage defeat, but potentially the end of their tournament hopes just a few days into the competition.

You can take some things at this tournament as a given, such as Sophie Devine breaking records with the bat or Chamari Athapaththu continuing her stunning record on Australian soil.

But such an abrupt fall of the hosts’ top-order is not something many would have predicted.

Coming off 51 in the Sydney opener, Healy was out for a duck thanks to a swing delivery from the unassuming yet dangerous Udeshika Prabodani, who took her second scalp when she removed Gardner for two.

And Mooney, who played a starring role in her side’s tri-series triumph, saw her stay cut short when Shashikala Siriwardena left the hosts reeling.

If Australia do progress to the knockout stages of the tournament, we will likely see a return to form from the likes of Healy, Mooney and Gardner, but until then the unsung heroes are needing to step up.

On Monday, that hero was Rachael Haynes. Even if she didn’t feel at her best, her half-century, built in a solid partnership with captain Meg Lanning, is the reason the hosts’ tournament hopes are still alive.

"It didn't feel easy to bat out there, to be honest,” said Haynes.

"I felt like I mis-hit nearly every shot that I played, perhaps with the exception of one.

"I think we talk a lot about having match-winning contributions, and sometimes it requires beginnings, and sometimes it requires impactful innings in T20 cricket.

“Meg and I came together and we did that job. From my point of view, it was just really nice to share in that with Meg.

"I'm sure there was a couple of nerves today, but I hope we showed the character that has been there in the group.

“To be able to get over the line right at the end there will hopefully correct some of the momentum heading into the rest of the tournament."

Haynes’ impressive 60 was her third half-century in 44 T20I innings, but she wasn’t the only Australian hero on a difficult night in Perth.

Two wickets, including that of Athapaththu, from Nicola Carey, who was left out for the India opener and another two for Tayla Vlaeminck’s injury replacement Molly Strano, were crucial in holding Sri Lanka at 122 for six.

It may be another name up in lights next time against Bangladesh in Melbourne but if Australia have learnt one thing so far, it’s that they can’t be relying solely on their superstars.

“We didn’t get off to the ideal start with the bat, it wasn’t the ideal chase but we came for two points and got that in the end,” added Carey, making her Women’s T20 World Cup debut having been selected in three previous squads without playing a game.

“It’s been well-documented that we need to win all our games to get through the group stages, we’ve got that first one on the board and we’re happy with that.

“I’ve spent plenty of time watching the games so it was pleasing to get out there. It was a really important match for the team so to contribute to the win is really pleasing.

“It’s a relief. World Cup games are hard, it’s not like a normal series where you can drop a game here or there, each one is really crucial, so to get that one out of the way hopefully gives us a lot of confidence for the last games.”
 
Pandey wants to see more fearless innings from Verma

Shikha Pandey says India will be urging their youngsters to keep playing fearless cricket after Shafali Verma produced another striking display in their 18-run victory over Bangladesh.

Shikha Pandey heaped praise on Shafali Verma for her 39-run contribution to help India to victory over BangladeshThe 16-year-old stunned the Perth crowds by scoring four sixes in the Powerplay to steer India to the highest total of the tournament so farPandey was also impressed with Jemimah Rodrigues’ 34 off 37 and says she wants to see both youngsters continue to enjoy their cricket

The batting spotlight was once again on Verma as the 16-year-old smashed a 17-ball 39, including four sixes, in the Powerplay to steer India to 142 to six - the highest total of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 so far.

And while Verma was the star of the show, 19-year-old Jemimah Rodrigues also impressed with a measured 34 from 37 – with Pandey confident the world will be seeing more of the same from the exciting young pair in Australia.

“We haven’t asked her [Verma] to change anything,” said Pandey. “She’s been given free licence to play her fearless brand of cricket.

“She’s amazing. At 16 I hadn’t even started training to become a cricketer. I’m very pleased to have such young fearless players in our team. It’s amazing to see them doing what they did for us.

“There’s no baggage, that’s the biggest thing, and they express themselves so well in the team.

“We thought we had a great score on the board to defend today because we believe in our bowling department. We knew it would be a tough target for them to reach.”

For India, victory was their second of the tournament, while Bangladesh fell 18 runs short of an upset in their first match Down Under.

Nigar Sultana Joty top scored with the bat with 35 off 26 balls, but struggled to build a partnership in the middle as Bangladesh were halted at 124 for eight in their chase.

And while Joty was full of admiration of Verma, she pointed out the 30-run contribution of Bangladesh’s own young star Murshida Khatun at the top of the order.

“Shafali Verma played absolutely brilliantly,” said Joty. “But Murshida Khatun played very well with the bat for us – she’s in good form nowadays.

“I think she is going to be one of the best players in our team. It is her first World Cup but she’s been with us for the last 18 months so she’s gelled well.

“We missed some chances in the field and didn’t bowl well enough in the last five overs. We haven’t played many matches against top eight teams, but we’re a cricketing nation.

“People are expecting us to win and we’re always going for the win too.”
 
Pakistan playing their first match today.

Can they begin their journey on a winning note?
 
Mandhana: Verma has given India team balance

The early overs used to be all about Smriti Mandhana but India’s star opener says she feels relieved of pressure thanks to the emergence of teenage prodigy Shafali Verma.

India’s star opener says the rise of Shafali Verma has taken needed pressure off her at the creaseTeenage star Verma has accumulated 68 runs over two matches on her ICC Women’s T20 World Cup debut, including four sixes in the Powerplay against BangladeshNew Zealand’s Lea Tahuhu is relishing the prospect of facing the youngster in Melbourne on Thursday

There’s been no hesitation from Verma in making a name for herself on the global stage, the 16-year-old having scored 68 runs across two games, including five sixes and seven fours, at an impressive strike rate of 212.

The teenager, who is making her ICC Women’s T20 World Cup debut in Australia, picked up the Player of the Match award for her 39 runs against Bangladesh, a match which Mandhana missed after picking up viral fever.

Once upon a time the absence of Mandhana for the opening overs would give India reason to worry, but not anymore according to the senior batter, with Verma showing she’s capable of filling her boots.

“Shafali has been a huge positive coming into the T20 side,” said Mandhana. “The way she’s going about her batting, it’s so easy to bat alongside her.

“I used to score a lot of our runs in the last two of three years, especially in the Powerplay, but now with Shafali coming in, she’s getting the runs in the way I do. It makes the team more balanced.

“She’s got a routine she likes to follow, and that’s the best thing about her. No-one has gone in and told her she has to change that.

“I used to have a major role in Powerplays, but Shafali is getting the quick runs in those first overs now too. She’s made a huge impact and the team has become more balanced thanks to her.

“I don’t think we’ll be going into the game thinking about a total, but we will continue playing the way that is working for all of our batters.”

With the start she’s made in Australia, there’s no surprise Verma is also the talk of India’s next opponents New Zealand, who they face at Melbourne’s Junction Oval on Thursday.

The White Ferns won their opener against Sri Lanka after captain Sophie Devine’s record-breaking half-century, while for India, winning their third game in Melbourne could secure their progress to the semi-final stage.

But not if Lea Tahuhu has anything to say about it.

While all eyes will be on Verma at the middle, the experienced fast bowler won’t go easy on the youngster and still wants her bowling exploits to be the talk of the town.

“Personally, I love the thought of facing Verma,” said Tahuhu. “It makes me fire up a little bit more and I’m really looking forward to playing her.

“I actually played her in the T20 Challenge in India last year and I know she’s not going to take a step back.

“I’ve had a pretty good lead into this tournament playing in the Women’s Big Bash League over here and the Super Smash competition back home.

“I’m in a pretty happy place with my bowling at the moment and I have experience of the conditions having been in Melbourne for a few years with the Renegades.

“We’ve got a lot of experienced girls who have played here a lot. I’m sharing my knowledge, but Katey Martin has also played here a lot and Suzie [Bates] put a few balls over
 
ICC Women's T20 World Cup - West Indies are batting first after winning the toss

IMG-20200226-WA0012.jpgIMG-20200226-WA0013.jpg
 
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ICC Women's T20 World Cup, Group B, Canberra:England 176-2 (20 overs)
Knight 108*, Sciver 59*

Thailand 78-7 (20 overs):

Chantam 32, Shrubsole 3-21

England won by 98 runs
 
wanted pak to win this..
but seems like they have lost the plot last 5 overs has been expensive..
soo many runout opportunities missed
 
Very good batting, good hopes for qualification if they beat South Africa, the Thailand victory is pretty much assured.
 
ICC Womens T20 World Cup 2020 Tournament Thread

Pakistan Women looking good to overcome West Indies Women here. Come on girls!

Our opener is LBW as I type this. Still, the required run-rate is very manageable. Should easily win this.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nerveless chase from Pakistan, who open their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> with a spectacular win against 2016 champions West Indies 🔥👏 <br><br>How impressive was that! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIvPAK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIvPAK</a> 📝 <a href="https://t.co/1iuW8i4B0h">https://t.co/1iuW8i4B0h</a> <a href="https://t.co/CyS5XWS9yg">pic.twitter.com/CyS5XWS9yg</a></p>— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1232622045768355845?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Superb team effort by all to get the victory congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheRealPCB</a> women on beating <a href="https://twitter.com/westindies?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@westindies</a> inshaAllah more victories to come 🙌🏻 🇵🇰🇵🇰 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20worldcup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20worldcup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIvPAK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIvPAK</a></p>— Hassan Ali 🇵🇰 (@RealHa55an) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealHa55an/status/1232622591225012225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
wow great effort from the girls they have improved a lot over couple of years and also new selection committee helped as well.

Young blood in team brought good fielding display
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great start to the World Cup for Pakistan. Big win over Windies. This World Cup is anyone's. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a></p>— Sana Mir ثناء میر (@mir_sana05) <a href="https://twitter.com/mir_sana05/status/1232623071854395392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Current Table
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Group B &#55357;&#56384; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/UQ1u8CvFZe">pic.twitter.com/UQ1u8CvFZe</a></p>— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/T20WorldCup/status/1232628008470614017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
What a supreme effort. Did not expect such a clinical performance.

Upwards and onwards ladies :134:
 
Captains point the way at ICC Women's T20 World Cup

The pressure cooker of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is bringing out the best in its captains.

The first half of the group stage have seen skippers lead by example, particularly with the batMeg Lanning, Heather Knight and Bismah Maroof have all guided their teams through crucial situationsAnd Sophie Devine, Chamari Athapaththu and Dane van Niekerk are juggling top-order duties with bowling and captaincy to great effect

It’s a cricketing axiom that captaincy affects batting, that the pressure of dual roles detracts and distracts, with everything from team selection to field placements clouding the view under the visor.

Skippers at this fascinating Women’s T20 World Cup have already proved that to be stuff and nonsense with the group stage not even at its halfway point.

The best-performing top orders in the tournament have captains as their crux, with New Zealand’s Sophie Devine, Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu and South Africa’s Dane van Niekerk leading the way.

Devine, 30, only took on the armband in January but far from dampen the run that saw her named Women’s Big Bash Player of the Tournament, her performances have taken on a new authority.

“I do think captaincy has brought the best out in me,” reflects the White Ferns star.

“We’ve had fantastic leaders in Suzie (Bates) and Amy (Satterthwaite) who led from the front, and I don’t want to be any different. It’s the best way to keep your team-mates on board.”

Rattling off four successive fifties in a tune-up series against the Proteas, Devine was on the field for all 37.2 overs of their opening victory against Sri Lanka, compiling a masterful unbeaten 75 and taking one for 27.

“You feel like you’re in safe hands when she’s at the crease,” adds Kiwi attack leader Lea Tahuhu. “She’s been in exceptional form in the last six months.”

Another to juggle all-rounder duties with team leadership, Athapaththu has sent some of the world’s best bowlers cowering back to fine leg with her destructive approach as an opener.

It’s been almost impossible to stop the Sri Lankan scoring heavily behind square on the leg side and through the wide mid-on region, taking 41 and 50 off New Zealand and Australia at a strike rate of 133.

Neither a lack of support from fellow batters nor a weight of duty to the team has affected Athapaththu.

“You can see I play all my natural game,” she says. “I love that pressure because I started international cricket ten years ago and I've had pressure as the number one batter ever since then.

“I talk to myself and say play positive, play with courage and play freely. That’s all.”

Van Niekerk is a less swashbuckling proposition, but has the same unclouded approach to her role at the top of the order and is an arch partnership builder.

She has ‘parked the ego’ - to use England captain Heather Knight’s words - and allowed Lizelle Lee and Marizanne Kapp to free their arms, making 46 from 51 balls and laying foundations for a famous win.

Van Niekerk also managed her bowlers beautifully, not too proud to admit the decision to open with Nonkululeko Mlaba backfired, and tied Knight and Fran Wilson in knots in the middle overs with her leg-spin.

“Dane does everything,” said all-rounder Chloe Tryon. “The girls feed off her in everything she does. It’s great to have her leading from the front.”

Bangladesh captain Salma Khatun also impressed in their defeat to India, taking a wicket in her first over en route to figures of two for 25.

The feats of these top order totems should be taken in the context of a tournament when openers have often struggled to get off to flying starts, and always been unable to bat as deep as they’d like.

Then there are captains that bat in the middle order, offering a mature approach to managing crises and pacing moderate run-chases, all while directing traffic for their teams.

Knight came to the crease with England at seven for two against Thailand and left with them on 176, a historic maiden T20I century under her belt and a record-breaking partnership built with Nat Sciver.

“Heather loves to lead the pack,” said batter Lauren Winfield. “She always stands up when we need her and she’s determined to set an example. That innings showed the kind of character she is.”

Heads were spinning when Meg Lanning took strike with Australia struggling at ten for three against Sri Lanka, but the 27-year-old and vice-captain Rachael Haynes were the coolest heads at the WACA and steered their side to a five-wicket win with a 95 stand.

It seems ice really does run through Lanning’s veins with Haynes revealing they’d meet in the middle and the Australia skipper would tell her off if she was getting ‘antsy’, with their no less than their World Cup fate on the line.

And one of the tournament’s shocks was orchestrated by another skipper as Bismah Maroof swept her way to a match-winning, unbeaten 38 to earn an eight-wicket win over Windies.

“Bismah took a lot of responsibility in the run-chase,” said Aliya Riaz. “She guides everybody really well and she helped Nida Dar through the overs.

“That’s what a good captain does, they carry the team and make sure they lead from the front.”
 
No chance Pakistan will catch England cold, says Winfield

Pakistan’s rapid progress is no surprise to England’s Lauren Winfield as the teams prepare for a crucial clash at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

England have won all nine of their meetings with Pakistan and they face each other again in Canberra on FridayHeather Knight's side beat Pakistan 3-0 in a bilateral series in Malaysia three months agoBoth teams have a win on the board, England beating Thailand and Pakistan seeing off West Indies

Bismah Maroof’s outfit raised eyebrows with a thumping eight-wicket win over 2016 winners West Indies, throwing Group B wide open and fuelling hope they can reach the knockout stages for the first time.

Winfield, part of the England side that beat Pakistan 3-0 in a series back in December, saw their resurgence first-hand in Malaysia and feels the tournament is playing into Pakistan’s hands.

“Pakistan already looked like they’ve improved from December,” said Winfield, 29.

“They played some good cricket in that series in patches. Looking from afar, you read results, you win a series 3-0 and no-one delves into the details.

“They’re a much-improved side and they played some good cricket in Malaysia.

“This tournament is giving teams with a lot of slower bowling that don’t often score huge totals an opportunity, because they’re on good conditions with fast outfields.

“Often when you tour the subcontinent, if they don’t have a power game they find it harder. You get really good value for your shots in Australia. Those batting line-ups and those teams have come to life.

“That bodes well for a great tournament and it gives people across the board a better chance of playing good cricket.”

Captain Bismah showed signs of good form in their series defeat to England, scoring 60 in the first T20I, and she shepherded Pakistan with a masterful unbeaten 38 in pursuit of 124 against Windies.

Her deputy and opener Javeria Khan, who posted an unbeaten 57 in the third and final match in December, is shouldering responsibility as a senior batter and helped set the tone with a well-made 25 on Wednesday.

Pakistan have yet to beat England in their nine meetings thus far, with this game shaping as potentially decisive for second place with South Africa looking to stretch their lead at the summit against Thailand.

Lower-order batter Aliya Riaz admits her side caught West Indies unawares with their plans and won't be able to rely on the same element of surprise against familiar foes England.

“It’s going to be a big game, a pressure game as well,” she said.

“We’ll need to perform exceptionally well and be very disciplined in all three areas of the game to beat a team as good as England.

“People don’t know a lot about what our plans are so we can surprise teams, but that works both ways. We are preparing and we will take it match-by-match.

“We're not looking at qualifying, we're moving forward and planning.”
 
Karachi, 27 February 2020:



After a stunning all-round performance against reigning champions West Indies, Pakistan women are confident of another strong display in their second ICC Women’s T20 World Cup clash against England on Friday.



Pakistan drawn in Group B started their campaign in style by defeating West Indies by eight wickets in a refreshingly dominant performance with both bat and ball on Wednesday.



Batting first, the bowling efforts of Diana Baig, Nida Dar and Aimen Anwar restricted West Indies to 124 for seven in the allotted 20 overs.



Player-of-the-match Javeria Khan (35), Muneeba Ali (25) and captain Bismah Maroof (38 not out) then led the charge with the bat as Pakistan sealed a comfortable eight wicket win in the penultimate over of the match played at Canberra’s Manuka Oval.



Javeria set the tone of the chase with a stroke-filled 35 off 28 balls, her innings included six fours. The right-handed opener who is one of Pakistan’s most experienced players with a total of 98 T20I outings is confident of repeating the heroics against the formidable England outfit.



Javeria Khan said: “We can’t thank the Almighty enough; we succeeded in giving a total team performance against West Indies. The bowlers set the tone and they were very well supported by fielders and batters’ both, it was a complete team effort.



“[On the England match] T20 is a kind of format where the team that executes its plan better on the day wins. We are focused on our performance rather than worrying about the opposition, we would strive to apply our plans well and if we do that well we can succeed regardless of the opposition.”



England are expected to provide a stiffer challenge to Pakistan especially after their recent success against the women in green.



The visitors won the three-match T20I series between the two sides that Pakistan hosted in Kuala Lumpur last December by a 3-0 margin.



But the result against the West Indies has given Pakistan side the self-belief and confidence that they can come up trumps against England too. If Pakistan can replicate the performance against West Indies, England would find it hard to beat the women in green.



The match begins at 1:00pm PST and will also be played at the Manuka Oval, Canberra.



Pakistan squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup:



Bismah Maroof (captain), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, Javeria Khan, Muneeba Ali, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Nawaz (wicketkeeper) and Syeda Aroob Shah



Officials: Syed Iqbal Imam (head coach), Saleem Jaffer (bowling coach), Amir Iqbal (fielding coach), Gemaal Hussain (strength & conditioning coach), Dr Riffat Asghar Gill (physio), Aisha Jalil (team manager) and Zubair Ahmed (analyst).



Upcoming fixtures:



28 February – England v Pakistan, 1pm (PST)

1 March – South Africa v Pakistan, 9am (PST)

3 March – Pakistan v Thailand, 9am (PST)
 
India tear through White Ferns to seal semi-final spot

Shikha Pandey held her nerve at the last to help India become the first team into the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 semi-finals with a tense three-run victory over New Zealand.

Shafali Verma set the tone by hitting 46 before India’s spinners stopped New Zealand with the batSophie Devine, Suzie Bates and Rachel Priest all fell before the halfway markAmelia Kerr shone with bat and ball for New Zealand, taking two wickets and scoring 34

Having held India at 133 for eight, the White Ferns would have fancied their chances in Melbourne having not failed to chase a sub-140 T20I target since October 2013.

But they were thwarted with the bat, their star-studded top-order of Sophie Devine, Rachel Priest and Suzie Bates all falling within nine overs, as Amelia’s Kerr’s stunning late cameo proved not enough to prevent defeat.

The tense Junction Oval win means India are guaranteed a spot in the last four, with the battle for the final qualifying spot in Group A hotting up.

Another impressive outing from Shafali Verma (46) set India on their way but a fine spell of bowling from New Zealand’s own teenage talent Kerr stopped her from dominating, the 19-year-old leg-spinner taking the innings-changing wicket to finish with figures of two for 21.

Smriti Mandhana, who missed the win over Bangladesh due to viral fever, saw her comeback cut short as she was dismissed for 11 by Lea Tahuhu in the third over, the opener chopping onto her stumps.

But once again Verma stepped up, the 16-year-old smashing back-to-back sixes to steer India to 49 for one in the Powerplay.

Tanya Bhatia, in at three, soon followed Verma’s lead, taking India beyond 60 but she perished for 23 when Kerr caught her at point off Rosemary Mair. The same duo combined again to dismiss Jemimah Rodrigues for ten.

Verma was twice given a lifeline as chances were squandered in the field, Maddy Green dropping an opportunity at long on before Tahuhu spilled up at mid-wicket.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s disappointing form continued as the India captain was caught and bowled by Leigh Kasperek for one - her third single-figure score in the tournament.

Hayley Jensen made amends for her side’s earlier errors by catching Verma at cover off Kerr for 46, before the spinner trapped Veda Krishnamurthy lbw for six.

Chasing 134, Priest’s time in the middle was short-lived as her aerial option backfired, Radha Yadav holding on at mid-wicket off Pandey to remove the opener for 12.

And the White Ferns’ start to the innings went from bad to worse when the Bates-Devine partnership fell after four overs, the former handing Deepti Sharma her 50th T20I wicket.

Before long Poonam Yadav struck with her spin, dismissing Devine after the skipper mistimed her full toss to point.

The fourth-wicket pair of Green (24) and Katey Martin (25) cautiously plodded on, putting on a 43-run partnership before the former was caught behind by Bhatia off Rajeshwari Gayakwad.

Two overs later and Martin was gone, Rodrigues with the catch on the mid-wicket boundary off Radha Yadav.

That looked to be game done and dusted but Kerr (34) defied Poonam’s heroics to set up a nerve-wracking finale, striking 18 in the penultimate over.

But she couldn’t muster a final-ball six as the White Ferns agonisingly missed out, suffering their first defeat of this Women’s T20 World Cup.



Scores in brief

India beat New Zealand by three runs, Junction Oval, Melbourne

India 133-8, 20 overs (Shafali Verma 46; Amelia Kerr 2-21, Rosemary Mair 2-27)
New Zealand 130-6, 20 overs (Amelia Kerr 34 not out, Katey Martin 25; Shikha Pandey 1-21)
 
Martin rues dropped catches in White Ferns’ defeat to India

Katey Martin says New Zealand desperately need to tighten up their fielding after two dropped catches against Shafali Verma proved costly in their three-run defeat to India.
Shafali Verma’s 46-run display in the early overs was crucial in helping India seal their semi-final spot with a three-run victory over New Zealand

Maddy Green and Lea Tahuhu both had chances to dismiss the young opener, but catches were dropped on both occasions

Katey Martin wants to see the White Ferns fine tune their fielding game ahead of Saturday’s must-win clash with Bangladesh

The White Ferns managed to hold India at 133 for eight in Melbourne, dismissing Smriti Mandhana for 11 and captain Harmanpreet Kaur for one, but they were left rueing missed opportunities to remove the dangerous Verma.
Verma, who won her second Player of the Match award after her 34-ball 46, was twice given a life after Maddy Green and Lea Tahuhu spilled opportunities.
And Martin says her side have no option but to fine tune their fielding if they want to progress to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup knockout stages.
“We are rueing those missed opportunities in the field,” said Martin, who put on a 43-run partnership with Green to keep New Zealand in the game. “We batted really well in the end to get us so close.
“There are some tough chances, but we really need to be taking those. We’ve been making big strides in our fielding and it’s something we normally pride ourselves on.
“We put a big focus on getting off the boundary rope. We will continue to do the work we’ve been doing and hopefully some of those chances will begin to stick and go our way.
“We now have a must-win match against Australia in our last game, but before then we’d rather be in a position where we have an opportunity to go through or not. We’re fully focused on our next game against Bangladesh.”
Verma was denied her first Women’s T20 World Cup half-century by the ever-impressive Amelia Kerr, the teenage New Zealand leg-spinner taking the innings-changing wicket before coming close to rescuing a comeback for the White Ferns with 34 runs late on.
And while the teenagers shone at the Junction Oval, India will have their bowlers to thank for sealing their third successive victory of the tournament, Poonam Yadav taking the crucial wicket of Devine before Shikha Pandey held her nerve in the final over.
India’s bowling exploits have been crucial in sealing their semi-final spot but for wicketkeeper Tanya Bhatia, it’s only a matter of time until her side’s top-order return to form.
“We’re in a really positive position,” said Bhatia. “We’ve been playing well ever since the tri-series.
“I think we’ve got a lot better as a team in working out how to handle and read situations well.
“We’re playing well, it’s just one or two odd games where more of us batters underperform, but I think Shafali is giving us a good start and the rest of us batters will take up responsibility.
“I’m ready to bat wherever the team wants me to bat. I can bat well up the order and I know I’m capable of scoring runs there.
“The results are in our favour but we need to keep up the momentum. If we do that, we will do well and hopefully reach the finals.”
 
Great victory against WI. Just watched the highlights. Best of luck girls.
 
Healy and Mooney blast Australia past Bangladesh

Australia strolled to back-to-back victories at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup as a potent opening partnership between Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney helped beat Bangladesh by 86 runs.

Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney put on 151 for the first wicket, Australia’s highest partnership for any wicket at the Women’s T20 World Cup

Australia’s 189 for one, the highest total of the tournament, proved too much for Bangladesh who mustered 103 for nine from their 20 overs

Australia climbed to second in Group A behind India, while Bangladesh sit bottom

Healy’s return to form continued as she made a carefree 83 to hit the top of the tournament’s run-scoring charts, ably supported by Mooney who ended unbeaten on 81.
Sri Lanka gave them a fright three days earlier but there were no such scares for the hosts as Bangladesh only managed 103 for nine in reply and Meg Lanning’s side climbed to second in Group A.
Healy began with bristling intent, peeling three boundaries from Jahanara Alam’s opening over as Bangladesh’s seven-strong off-side field failed to foil the opener.
Salma Khatun opted to take pace off the ball with five overs of spin in the Powerplay but Healy rocked back and cleared long-on to take the score to 53 without loss from the first six overs.
The keeper-batter made it look easy as she struck sixes over long-off and then midwicket from Khadiza Tul Kubra, bringing up a brutal 26-ball fifty.
Mooney turned over the strike before showing her own strength down the ground with three boundaries in as many overs, helping bring up the first T20I century partnership for the openers.
Their first reprieve came when Rumana Ahmed beat Mooney’s bat and Nigar Sultana Joty was ponderous in whipping off the bails, saving the batter’s skin.
Mooney reverse swept for four to take the stand to 122, Australia’s highest partnership for the first wicket in T20Is.
The breakthrough finally came when Healy sliced to point off Salma, departing for 83 from 53 balls.
Ashleigh Gardner had licence to swing and did just that in the penultimate over, carting Salma for three boundaries in her 22 from nine balls.
The final two overs went for 30 runs and Australia rose to 189 for one from their 20 overs, their second-highest total at the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Bangladesh’s reply began with Murshida Khatun (8) lofting Megan Schutt down the ground at the start of the fourth over but departed two balls later as Jess Jonassen took a fine catch pedalling back at mid-on.
Sanjida Islam toe-ended to the third man boundary from her first ball and was comprehensively bowled by Schutt on her second as an eventful over ended with the score 23 for two.
Annabel Sutherland’s first T20 World Cup spell yielded a maiden wicket as Sanjida was strangled down the leg side for three, with the score on 26 for three.
The youngster was punished for straying down leg soon after by Fargana Hoque Pinky, who built a handy partnership for the fourth wicket with keeper-batter Nigar Sultana.
Nigar stroked Nicola Carey through the covers for four when Lanning turned to spin, and Sutherland leaked more runs as Fargana stroked two boundaries from an over that cost 13.
Nigar and Fargana, who struck Carey for a handsome off-drive, assembled Bangladesh’s second fifty partnership at the T20 World Cup, and it ended on exactly 50 when Nigar skied one to Lanning off Carey on 19.
Rumana made a sprightly 13 from 12 balls but picked out Wareham on the midwicket fence to make it 95 for five and Schutt had her third when Fargana’s top-edge was gleefully caught by Healy.
Three wickets in three balls rounded it off - Jonassen clean bowling Jahanara before Salma and Khadija were run out in successive balls.
Scores in brief
Australia beat Bangladesh by 86 runs, Manuka Oval, Canberra
Australia 189-1, 20 overs (Alyssa Healy 83, Beth Mooney 81 not out; Salma Khatun 1-39)
Bangladesh 103-9, 20 overs (Fargana Hoque Pinky 36; Megan Schutt 3-21, Jess Jonassen 2-17)
 
India qualify while hosts Australia bag second win

India became the first team to qualify for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 semi-finals after maintaining perfection with victory over New Zealand.

India are the first team to reach the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 semi-finals

A tense three-run win over New Zealand sealed progression for Harmanpreet Kaur’s side

Australia are still fighting for the chance to join them after beating Bangladesh

Shafali Verma lit up Melbourne to continue her strong start to the tournament, while five different bowlers took wickets in the tense victory over the White Ferns.
Amelia Kerr had looked like snatching victory for New Zealand but her all-round showing of two wickets and 34 runs fell just short at the Junction Oval.
Attentions then switched to the Manuka Oval in Canberra as Australia piled on the runs and the records, beating Bangladesh by 86 runs for their second Group A win.
All-round India hold their nerve
The form of 16-year-old Shafali Verma has been a sight to behold in Australia, helping India to their third win of the tournament with a quickfire 46 atop the order.
But once again the wickets tumbled around her, Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana both dismissed early as India stumbled to 133 for eight against the White Ferns.
It seemed under-par but, as they did against the hosts, the bowlers got to work with Poonam Yadav bagging the key wicket of in-form New Zealand captain Sophie Devine.
She was hit for 18 in the 19th over by fellow leg-spinner Amelia Kerr – who had earlier taken two for 21 from four overs – but the 19-year-old couldn’t quite haul her side home.
“We’re in a really positive position,” said India’s Tanya Bhatia. “We’ve been playing well ever since the tri-series.
“I think we’ve got a lot better as a team in working out how to handle and read situations well.
“We’re playing well, it’s just one or two odd games where more of us batters underperform, but I think Shafali is giving us a good start and the rest of us batters will take up responsibility.
“The results are in our favour but we need to keep up the momentum. If we do that, we will do well and hopefully reach the finals.”
New Zealand’s Katey Martin added: “We are rueing those missed opportunities in the field. We batted really well in the end to get us so close.
“There are some tough chances, but we really need to be taking those. We’ve been making big strides in our fielding and it’s something we normally pride ourselves on.
“We now have a must-win match against Australia in our last game, but before then we’d rather be in a position where we have an opportunity to go through or not. We’re fully focused on our next game against Bangladesh.”
Openers on song as Australia find form
Australia’s top order had yet to fully fire on home soil but they put that to rest with a clinical performance against Bangladesh.
Alyssa Healy (83) and Beth Mooney (81 not out) put on 151 for the opening partnership, the highest for any wicket in Australia’s Women’s T20 World Cup history, with the pair fluent throughout.
Bangladesh offered chances but finally got the breakthrough when Healy fell cutting Salma Khatun, with Ashleigh Gardner’s late burst of 22 not out helping them to 189 for one.
Salma’s side didn’t stop fighting in pursuit of 190, with Nigar Sultana Joty (19) and Fargana Hoque Pinky (36) putting on the second-highest partnership they’ve made in any edition, scoring 50 for the fourth wicket.
But Megan Schutt (three for 21) and Jess Jonassen (two for 17) kept Bangladesh in check as they eventually fell 86 runs short.
“It was good to get such a convincing win on the board,” said Healy. “There’s been a lot of talk about how we’ve been playing, it was nice to put that aside and play the way we wanted to.
“Not knowing much about Bangladesh allowed us to think and concentrate on ourselves.
“At no stage will we stop being aggressive. We spoke as a batting group about not doing our job so putting a score on the board on a low, tricky wicket was pretty great.
“Monday’s a pretty crucial game, we’ll take a lot of confidence out of this win heading into that. There’s been a lot of talk, a lot of pressure on us to perform. New Zealand are a team we’re familiar with and hopefully that will play into our hands.”
Bangladesh’s Fargana Hoque added: “Australia are the world champions and from our side, it was the first time we’d ever played them.
“It was tough to face their bowling but after having the first match, it will give us experience on how to handle the situation in these conditions, which are very new to us.
"I believe if we get a chance to play the top teams on a regular basis, you'll see us improve.”
Scores in brief
India beat New Zealand by three runs, Junction Oval, Melbourne
India 133-8, 20 overs (Shafali Verma 46; Amelia Kerr 2-21, Rosemary Mair 2-27)
New Zealand 130-6, 20 overs (Amelia Kerr 34 not out, Katey Martin 25; Shikha Pandey 1-21)
Australia beat Bangladesh by 86 runs, Manuka Oval, Canberra
Australia 189-1, 20 overs (Alyssa Healy 83, Beth Mooney 81 not out; Salma Khatun 1-39)
Bangladesh 103-9, 20 overs (Fargana Hoque Pinky 36; Megan Schutt 3-21, Jess Jonassen 2-17)
 
India is the first to get through to the semifinals. They are a cricketing powerhouse. Amazing talent and support for them.
Shafali Verma is pretty amazing for a 16yr old.
 
I hope we give a tough time to England tomorrow. Dont have alot of hopes but even the WI win was a surprise so one can hope.
 
just saw the highlights and the women "fast" bowlers were bowling at 100kph lol
i've seen 14 year old boys bowl faster than that
 
Ronaldo7 said:
just saw the highlights and the women "fast" bowlers were bowling at 100kph lol
i've seen 14 year old boys bowl faster than that
Click to expand...
Evolution takes time ..The bowlers Bradman faced are not going to find a place in junior cricket team of this era ..That doesn't take anything away from the man as he is more evolved to his time..
 
Green Patriot said:
I hope we give a tough time to England tomorrow. Dont have alot of hopes but even the WI win was a surprise so one can hope.
Click to expand...

It will be tough but if Pakistan use the momentum from the West Indies and can bowl out England and play smart cricket than they can but England will come hard since the lost their last match to South Africa. South Africa beating England was an upset as well their not a top 4 team in women's cricket, and even Pakistan team in the past have beaten South African women's team, so who knows maybe the girls in green can get lucky again
 
Also forgot to mention that Sri Lanka women's team did beat England in warm ups as well granted it was warm ups but they won by ten wickets ......so comes Pakistan let's make it happen lol
 
Ronaldo7 said:
just saw the highlights and the women "fast" bowlers were bowling at 100kph lol
i've seen 14 year old boys bowl faster than that
Click to expand...

That is how it is in women's sport. Learn not to judge them by men's standards.
 
nextover666666 said:
It will be tough but if Pakistan use the momentum from the West Indies and can bowl out England and play smart cricket than they can but England will come hard since the lost their last match to South Africa. South Africa beating England was an upset as well their not a top 4 team in women's cricket, and even Pakistan team in the past have beaten South African women's team, so who knows maybe the girls in green can get lucky again
Click to expand...

One down already. If Diana bowls like she this and Nida supports her too we might have a low total on our hands.
Absolutely need to finish well even if its a loss so that we can be in with a chance.
 
latecut said:
That is how it is in women's sport. Learn not to judge them by men's standards.
Click to expand...

Then tell people to not compre the two.
I hear people saying “women are as strong as men”
The only “woman” that can beat a man, is a transgender one lol
Not trynna be offensive but that’s the truth
 
Nida Dar set to play her 100th T20I

• Pakistan to play England in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup from 1pm PST.

• Nida Dar picture is attached

• Urdu release is attached.

Lahore, 28 February 2020:

Nida Dar is set to become Pakistan’s third woman cricketer to have featured in 100 T20Is when Pakistan play England in their second Group-B fixture of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup later today.

The all-rounder started her T20I career in the 2010 edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and is the highest wicket-taker for Pakistan in the format with 94 wickets at an average of 17.76 and third highest run-getter with 1,104 runs at a strike-rate of 95.83.

The 33-year-old will be the third Pakistan woman cricketer after current captain Bismah Maroof (107 matches) and former captain Sana Mir (106 matches) to achieve the milestone. She currently has 99 T20I appearances for Pakistan.

Speaking to PCB digital, Nida Dar said: “It will be a great moment for me when I will set my foot inside the boundary rope for my 100th T20I and I am very excited for it. I am hoping to make it a memorable one.

“It gives me immense pleasure that Pakistan’s women cricket has grown immensely since I started playing at the international level. With the women’s cricket growing at a rapid pace all over the world and more matches being scheduled, I am hopeful our up and coming cricketers will achieve this landmark more regularly.

“I want to take this opportunity and thank my coaches and teammates who have inspired me and have been there whenever I have needed guidance. I am extremely grateful to my family for their unconditional support.”

Pakistan squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup:

Bismah Maroof (captain), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, Javeria Khan, Muneeba Ali, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Nawaz (wicketkeeper) and Syeda Aroob Shah

Officials: Syed Iqbal Imam (head coach), Saleem Jaffer (bowling coach), Amir Iqbal (fielding coach), Gemaal Hussain (strength & conditioning coach), Dr Riffat Asghar Gill (physio), Aisha Jalil (team manager) and Zubair Ahmed (analyst).

Upcoming fixtures:

28 February – England v Pakistan, 1pm (PST)
1 March – South Africa v Pakistan, 9am (PST)
3 March – Pakistan v Thailand, 9am (PST)

IMG-20200228-WA0010.jpg
 
How India vs New Zealand became a tale of two teenage sensations

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 isn’t just keeping us entertained in the moment, it’s serving up storylines aplenty for years to come.

Teenagers Shafali Verma, 16, and Amelia Kerr, 19, top scored with the bat for their respective countries in India’s victory over New Zealand on MondayLeg-spinner Kerr also took two wickets, including that of Verma, to keep the White Ferns in itBoth youngsters have drawn praise from their elders for their performances

From Ellyse Perry and Dane van Niekerk, to Sophie Devine and Deandra Dottin, the 2020 tournament features some of the greatest talents to ever grace the women’s game, with 14 players maintaining their record of playing in every edition to date.

But a World Cup isn’t all about providing the same players with a platform for success - it’s always an occasion for new stars to be born.

India’s win over New Zealand may prove the prime example of the baton passing between the old stars and the new with two teenagers stepping up to take the reins - and even wickets off each other: Shafali Verma and Amelia Kerr.

“Verma and Kerr are a similar sort of player,” said New Zealand batter Suzie Bates. “You don’t find many players who come into international cricket at the age of 16 around the world.

“We’ve got the likes of Sophie [Devine] who whacks it pretty hard when she gets the chance but we love having youngsters come through who are able to do the same.”

Anyone who turned up to the Junction Oval to see Devine smash sixes would have left disappointed as the White Ferns skipper was dismissed for 14 after mistiming a full toss to point.

Her side were left reeling at 39 for there when their top order of Devine, Bates and Rachel Priest all fell before the halfway mark, and with the experienced Maddy Green and Katey Martin slow in picking up the pace, they knew it would take something special to produce a comeback.

But that’s where Kerr came in.

The game looked to be done and dusted but the 19-year-old defied all odds to set up a nerve-wracking finale, striking four boundaries in the penultimate over to put victory back on the table.

She couldn’t muster a final-ball six as the White Ferns agonisingly missed out, but if her performance showed anything, it’s that New Zealand’s future batting order is in rude health.

“Amelia was outstanding,” said Katey Martin. “She feels pressure like we all do but really takes it with a mature outlook.

“You don’t expect someone to have the cricket knowledge she does aged 19 but she’s been outstanding for us.

“She’s the first one to put her hand up in high pressure situations. That’s what you want.

“Amelia is a once-in-a-generation type player for us. She’s an exceptional young talent and someone who I think will have a long and successful career.”

Judging by their tournament scorecards so far, India don’t need to worry about the future of their batting order either.

They have their own talented teenager in their ranks in Verma, who has taken the world by storm with her fearless opening displays in each of India’s three wins.

Her 46 runs against New Zealand took her tournament tally to 114 after three innings and at the age of just 16, she has already scripted a new record.

No player has ever scored more runs at a higher strike rate at a single World Cup than the teenage prodigy with 172.72.

Her three quick-fire innings, where she hit 11 fours and eight sixes, have not only steered India to the semi-finals of the World Cup, but also drawn praise from the format’s most successful batter in Bates.

“As a senior player, you love to see a youngster come out and hit the ball hard,” added Bates.

“I think India has been searching for someone like her at the top of the order for a long time. She’s just going to get better and better.

“I think we bowled reasonably well at her and got unlucky. She’s great for the game moving forward and for Indian cricket. She’s so young and has so many games ahead of her that she can dominate.”

Verma may have already laid her stake as a future star of the women’s game but if anyone was going to rain on her parade in Melbourne, it just had to be Kerr.

It truly was a tale of two teenagers as New Zealand’s 19-year-old leg-spinner was the only one able to stop Verma in her tracks, taking the innings-changing wicket in the 14th over to finish with figures of two for 21.

In doing so, Kerr broke yet more records – becoming the first player at a Women’s T20 World Cup to score at least 25 runs, take two wickets and two catches in the same match.

But this isn’t a question of who outperformed who. This may be the first time the pair have shone on the same turf but, judging how they lit up Melbourne, it certainly isn’t going to be the last.
 
Spin could prove a blessing in disguise for White Ferns, says Bates

Dealing with spin will be key to New Zealand’s hopes of reaching the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals but Suzie Bates reckons the challenge could prove a blessing in disguise.

Suzie Bates says New Zealand need to watch out for Bangladesh’s spinners in Melbourne after struggling against India’s contingent on ThursdayBates is also confident the White Ferns can spin their opponents into a twist themselves through the likes of Amelia Kerr and Leigh KasperekVictory for New Zealand against Bangladesh would set up a must-win clash with Australia in their final Group A fixture

The White Ferns fell victim to India’s four-spinner strategy on Thursday, with Poonam Yadav, Deepti Sharma, Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Radha Yadav all taking wickets to knock out their top order - including Bates - in their thrilling three-run victory in Melbourne.

And while Bates wants her side to be wary of Bangladesh’s spinning talents on Saturday, she knows her side have their own trick up their sleeve in 19-year-old leg-spinner Amelia Kerr.

“It’s going to be key to play spin well on that wicket,” said Bates. “Amelia’s bowling will be key for us.

“That wicket out here has shown the spinners, Leigh Kasperek too, are going to be key for us moving forward.

“Bangladesh have some really quality spinners so we’re going to have to work on how we play against it. Every game is tough if you’re not quite at your best and any team can beat you.

“The loss to India shows us how important every single game is. Every game is going to go right down to the wire.

“Bangladesh is going to be just as important as the match against India and then hopefully we give ourselves a chance against Australia to get to the semi-final stage.”

While victory for the White Ferns would set up a must-win tie against hosts and defending champions Australia, their opponents Bangladesh find themselves in a different scenario.

Having lost to India and Australia in their opening two games, reaching the knockout stages is no longer in their thinking, but according to skipper Salma Khatun that was never their priority,

Instead Salma is urging her side to take their final two games as seriously as ever to finish as one of the top eight sides and qualify directly for the next tournament.

“Our target is to not have to play the World Cup qualifiers,” said Salma. “We need to do very well in our next two matches and try to win them.

“Our opening two matches will definitely help us to prepare for the next two.

“It’s frustrating for me that we dropped so many catches against Australia. Our performance would have ended up far better had we managed to keep those so that is an area we need to work hard on going forward.

“Another big difference is fitness. We tried to cope with the situation and we would feel better if we had managed to post a higher score.

“We will take our lessons from these two matches and rectify our mistakes in our next two.”
 
India’s spot in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 semi-finals is already safe but captain Harmanpreet Kaur insists they won’t take Sri Lanka lightly in their final group game.

India sealed their semi-final spot with three successive wins over Australia, Bangladesh and New ZealandVictory over Sri Lanka on Saturday would see India finish top of Group AShashikala Siriwardena says Sri Lanka are hungrier than ever for their first win of the tournament

Kaur’s side were the first to sail through to the knockout stages after securing wins against hosts and defending champions Australia, as well as Bangladesh and New Zealand, in the first week of the tournament.

Victory over Sri Lanka on Saturday would see them top Group A and head into the semi-finals full of confidence - and Kaur doesn’t want to settle for anything less.

“I know we have qualified, but the next game is still crucial for us,” said Kaur. “We will be taking Sri Lanka very seriously.

“They’ve been doing well. I know they haven’t won a game but they were almost there on both occasions.

“We will be taking it very seriously before we start thinking about the semi-finals.

“We try to take every wicket in all of our games. Every wicket is an important one at this level.

“We just have to try and stick to our plan, especially to get out the likes of Chamari Athapaththu early. That will be crucial.”

Sri Lanka have arguably had the toughest start to the tournament having lost to New Zealand and Australia in their opening two games, followed by facing India in their third Group A fixture.

But despite the threat of their opponents Sri Lanka have held their own, giving Australia an almighty scare in Perth when reducing the hosts to 10 for three in the early overs.

Sri Lanka veteran Shashikala Siriwardena - who will retire from all formats of the game at the end of the tournament after 17 years - is proud of her team’s fight so far, but admitted she would be disappointed to say her farewells without a tournament win.

“We want to take victories in our next two games,” she said. “We did well against Australia and New Zealand, but we couldn’t turn it into a win.

“Chamari Athapaththu is performing well which really is boosting the team. We’re happy with the way we’ve played but we’re still hungry for a win and we’ll be giving 100 per cent to get it.

“We have to do what we have done well in previous matches against India but at the same time we need to correct the mistakes we are repeating, especially in fielding.

“Our players are trying to continuously perform, that’s the main thing. We know that the potential is there but the performance and execution on the big stage is lacking.

“Playing close matches against good quality teams has only helped us to improve.”
 
Lizelle Lee was at her brutal best as her century saw South Africa to a tournament record total and a 113-run win over Thailand at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

Lizelle Lee struck her maiden T20I century from 59 balls, the fifth ton in the history of the ICC Women’s T20 World CupSouth Africa broke India’s record for the highest total in Women’s T20 World Cup history of 194 for five against New Zealand in 2018.Thailand bettered their efforts against West Indies and England with the bat but suffered another heavy defeat in Group B

Lee took the Thai attack apart with the T20 World Cup’s fifth ton and 88 of her 101 runs came from boundaries as the Proteas posted 195 for three, the highest team total in the tournament’s history.

With Sornarrin Tippoch’s debutants slipping to 82 all out, South Africa strengthened their grip on Group B as they face Pakistan on Sunday with the semi-finals in sight.

Thailand have a knack for nabbing early wickets and were gifted one when Dane van Niekerk (2) patted Ratanporn Padunglerd’s full toss to mid-on.

Lee, tenth in the MRF Tyres ICC T20I Batting Rankings, dominated the scoring and slog-swept Onnicha Kamchomphu for a 75-metre six.

Thailand used seven different bowlers inside nine overs but none could withstand Lee’s assault and she reached 50 from 35 balls with a straight six.

Sune Luus, featuring in her fourth Women’s T20 World Cup aged 24, batted on the undercard but still swung Chanida Sutthiruang’s full toss for six over fine leg.

Lee came in without a half-century in nine international innings but glided towards a century in 59 balls, showing her touch with a late cut for four before bringing up a ton fittingly with a four.

No sooner had she raised her bat to salute a jubilant South Africa dugout than she chipped a catch back to Suleeporn Laomi to end the partnership on 131.

Luus ticked to her fourth T20I fifty and Chloe Tryon carted Tippoch over the leg-side fence twice in a penultimate over that cost 20, lifting her side to a record total.

It didn’t take long for Thailand to lose their first wicket as Natthakan Chantam was run out by a fine throw from keeper Trisha Chetty.

Ismail tore the Thai order asunder, beating Nannapat Khoncharoenkai and then Naruemol Chaiwai for sheer pace in successive balls to complete a team hat-trick.

Tippoch and Nattaya Boochatham played out two maidens before a world-class catch from Laura Wolvaardt at midwicket accounted for the Thailand captain.

Kamchomphu led a lone resistance, taking Ayabonga Khaka for back-to-back boundaries and striking Thailand’s first six at the Women’s T20 World Cup off Van Niekerk.

Kamchomphu (26) nicked Luus behind in the 12th over, Chetty whipped off Boochatham’s bails to end her 31-ball vigil and also stumped Wongpaka Liengprasert (6) for the seventh wicket.

Chanida Sutthiruang was given out lbw on review off Nadine de Klerk, Laomi looped a catch to Van Niekerk and Ismail castled Padunglerd to complete a comprehensive win.



Scores in brief

South Africa beat Thailand by 113 runs, Manuka Oval, Canberra

South Africa 195-3, 20 overs (Lizelle Lee 101, Sune Luus 61 not out; Ratanporn Padunglerd 1-19)

Thailand 82 all out, 19.1 overs (Onnicha Kamchomphu 26; Shabnim Ismail 3-8, Sune Luus 3-15)
 
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