Manuka Oval, Canberra [Source: @TheRealPCB/X]
On Thursday, Australia Women will lock horns with England Women in the second T20 International of the ongoing three-match series on home soil. The much-awaited face-off will be played at Manuka Oval in Canberra.
Led by Tahlia McGrath, Australia Women had a memorable start to the series, securing a comprehensive 57-run victory in the first T20I in Sydney. Batting first, Australia posted a commanding 198-run total, riding on an exceptional knock from Beth Mooney and valuable cameos from Georgia Voll, Phoebe Litchfield and skipper McGrath. In response, England Women were bowled out for a paltry 141 despite a fighting fifty from Sophia Dunkley.
So, moving on to this match, the tourists would be desperate to restore parity in order to stay alive in the Women's Ashes. Ahead of the high-voltage face-off, let's see how the surface at Manuka Oval in Canberra will behave throughout the match.
Manuka Oval Canberra Stats And Records In T20Is
Criterion | Data |
---|---|
Matches played | 21 |
Matches won batting 1st | 9 |
Matches won bowling 1st | 9 |
Average 1st innings score | 149 |
Average 2nd innings score | 124 |
Manuka Oval Canberra Pitch Report: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?
The average run rate at Manuka Oval in Canberra in the BBL 2024-25 read 8.92, indicating it offered excellent batting conditions in the tournament. Generally, the track offers lesser pace than the pitches in Brisbane and Perth, and the batters enjoy its bounce to score runs.
Also, as it's late summer in Australia, the track might be slightly on the drier side; so, expect the spinners to get some turn with the old ball, especially in the second half of the game. Therefore, although it will be a safe call to bowl first, don't be surprised if the toss-winner opt to bat considering the relatively slow nature of the pitch.
Players To Watch Out For At Manuka Oval In Canberra
Beth Mooney
- Australia's veteran opener Beth Mooney looked sublime in the last game, scoring 75 runs off 51 deliveries. She is the most successful T20I batter at Manuka Oval, having amassed 400 runs at an average of 100 and a strike rate of 133.77. So, considering her form and record at the venue, we reckon he could play a crucial role for her side.
Sophie Ecclestone
- England's experienced spinner Sophie Ecclestone was impressive in the first T20I, scalping prized wickets of Ellyse Perry and Tahlia McGrath. She is England's most successful T20I bowler at the venue and could be a game-changer for the tourists.
Georgia Wareham
- Australia's prominent leg spinner Georgia Wareham was exceptional with the ball in Sydney, dismantling the English batting lineup with a three-wicket haul. She can play a significant role, particularly if the hosts bowl second.
P.S: Apart from these players, the eyes will be on Ellyse Perry, Alana King, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Knight and Annabel Sutherland.