IND-W vs AUS-W | CWG 2022 | Preview, CREX XI | Spotlight: Meg Lanning

Indian Women will cross swords against their Australian counterparts in the first group stage encounter of the Commonwealth Games at Edgbaston tomorrow. 

India will be up against Australia in the CWG 2022

Well, we all are aware of Australia's prowess in the shortest format. The Women in Yellow, who haven't lost a single T20I series since 2017, are coming to this event decimating Pakistan and Ireland in the recently concluded Tri-series.  

On the other hand, India women's recent T20I record doesn't look promising. Despite having some impactful players in their team, India lost four consecutive T20I series this year before handing Sri Lanka a 2-1 defeat in their own backyard. 

This game is crucial from both teams' perspectives as a win will boost their confidence going forward. 

Spotlight: Meg Lanning

Meg Lanning playing an audicious cut stroke

Lanning, the Australian captain, has been their key player across formats for a long time now. The veteran batter, who has a plethora of experience on international level, has amassed 3120 T20I runs at a very healthy average of 37.14. Further, she was outstanding in the recently concluded Tri-nation series in Ireland, slamming 113 runs in two innings at a superb strike rate of 137.80. 

Considering her experience and red hot form, we expect her to be the player to watch out for in this match.

ALSO READ: PAK-W vs BAR-W | CWG 2022 | Preview, CREX 11 | Spotlight: Bismah Maroof 

Match Details: 

Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
Date & Time: July 29, 4.30 PM IST 
Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV app

Pitch report: The average scoring rate at Edgbaston in Men's T20Is is found to be 8.73, suggesting the track's conduciveness for batting. Interestingly, teams batting first have emerged victorious in all men's T20Is played at this ground. So, toss will play a crucial role, with the toss-winner expected to bat first. 

Key Players: 

Meg Lanning: 3120 T20I runs at an average of 37.14

Tahlia McGrath: 247 T20I runs at a strike rate of 156.33

Smriti Mandhana: 2033 T20I runs at a decent strike rate of 120.15

Poonam Yadav: 98 T20I wickets at a surreal economy of 5.75 

CREX 11 Suggestions

Wicket-keeper: Alyssa Healy
Batters: Smriti Mandhana, Beth Mooney, Meg Lanning, Shafali Verma
All-rounders: Tahlia McGrath, Harmanpreet Kaur
Bowlers: Megan Schutt, Alana King, Nicola Carey, Poonam Yadav

Captain: Meg Lanning
Vice-Captain: Alana King