Match Details
Date: 23 February 2023
Time: 6:30 PM IST
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Live Scores: SportsTiger App
Preview
Harmanpreet Kaur-led India have marched into another semifinal of an ICC tournament and they once again have Australia to play against. The same Australia who have remained unbeaten so far in the tournament and look set to be the thorn in the flesh for India. The Meg Lanning-led side have been dominant, to say the least against any of their opponents in the tournament so far. Meanwhile, India have failed to register a convincing win. Although the Women in Blue lost only one match in the group stage, they won’t be too happy about the other three wins.
There are countless issues with the current Indian lineup, the biggest of which is the batter’s inability to rotate the strike. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur did address the need to reduce the dot ball percentage but it is to be seen how much India improves in that department. Also, Shafali Varma falling in a predictable manner has also not augur well for India. Now, with their biggest nemesis Australia to face in an all-important clash, the players will hope to put their best foot forward.
Australia, meanwhile, will just look to capitalize on the issues with their opposition. Although Beth Mooney was humble enough to say that they won’t take India lightly, the Aussies have a knack for being the cause of India’s exit from major tournaments.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Newlands, Cape Town tends to get better for batting as the match progresses. In the early part of the innings, spinners get some help from the surface. Teams chasing have won more matches at this venue. So, the captain winning the toss will look to chase a total.
SportsTiger Playing XI of India
Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Varma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Devika Vaidya, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Shikha Pandey, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Thakur Singh
SportsTiger Playing XI of Australia
Beth Mooney, Alyssa Healy (wk), Ellyse Perry, Meg Lanning (c), Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris, Georgia Wareham, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown
Match Prediction
Conclusion
India do have the capability to beat Australia but the pressure of a knockout game will be too much for the young faces in the camp. Meanwhile, Australia Women have seasoned campaigners in their hut who know how to cross the line. So, the defending champions will be the favourites to make it to another final at an ICC event.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the author’s point of view. They neither reflect the opinion of SportsTiger nor advise anyone to make any prediction based on this. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility and liability for the same.
