AUS-W vs SA-W, Final: Match Preview, Probable 11, Prediction, Live Streaming
Australia beat India to reach the finals [Twitter]
This is it. After 22 gruelling matches, it is time for the grand finale of the Women's T20 World Cup on Sunday. Defending champions, and five-time winners, Australia will collide against first time finalist, South Africa in a mouth-watering contest.
It has been some story for the hosts, South Africa women. They started the tournament on a wrong note, losing the tournament opener to Sri Lanka. Moreover, Australia gave them a drubbing in the group stage, but the Proteas women showed enough courage to beat New Zealand and Bangladesh to make it through the group stage.
It was widely expected that the world will witness a Australia-England final, but the hosts had some other plans. They outplayed England completely and reached their maiden T20 World Cup finals. What's fascinating to see is the way they have played throughout the competition. Each and every member has contributed in some or the other way as South Africa have set a date with the mighty Aussies.
Talking about Australia, they surely start the finale as the overwhelming favourites. The five-time winners will be gunning for a third straight title and it won't be a surprise if they manage to clinch the title once again. The team was pushed to their limits by a spirited Indian side in the semis, but the world champs held their nerves to clinch a 6-run win.
Despite beating South Africa in the group stages, Australia can't be complacent. The Proteas women will have the home crowd behind them, but Meg Lanning and her troops will be aiming for the glory.
Match Details
Date and Time: February 26, 6:30 PM IST
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Live Streaming/Telecast: Star Sports, Disney + Hotstar
Pitch Report
The pitch at Newlands will be good for batting, as witnessed in the semis. Both the semi-final matches were high scoring and expect something similar this time as well. As the game progresses, the spinners will come into play, and this is where the fate of the match will be decided.
Probable XI
AUS: Alyssa Healy (wk), Beth Mooney, Meg Lanning (c), Ashleigh Gardner, Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris, Georgia Wareham, Jess Jonassen, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown
SA: Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus (c), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Anneke Bosch, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-keeper: Alyssa Healy
Batters: Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Grace Harris, Meg Lanning
All-Rounders: Marizanne Kapp, Ashleigh Gardner
Bowlers: Nonkululeko Mlaba, Shabnim Ismail, Darcie Brown, Megan Schutt
Captain: Ash Gardner
Vice-Captain: Marizanne Kapp
Prediction
Despite the momentum that South Africa carries in this contest, Australia know how to win these big tournaments. They have a complete team and expect the Meg Lanning side to clinch their sixth World T20 title on Sunday.
 "Anurag Dasgupta")
