Australia Women vs Ireland Women, 16th Match, Group A
Series: ICC Womens World T20, 2016 Venue: Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi Date & Time: Mar 26, 03:30 PM LOCAL
A battle of unequals always brings about support for
the underdog. The Irish women would be hoping for the same when they
face defending champion Australia in their final Group A outing of the
World Twenty20 here on Saturday.
An upset, however,
is highly unlikely. Having moved closer to a semifinal spot with a
massive nine-wicket win in its penultimate outing, the Southern Stars
would be favourites to notch up another big victory to end their league
engagements at the Ferozeshah Kotla stadium.
Ireland
has no wins so far and there would be little for Australia to worry
about, even though captain Meg Lanning insisted the team would not take
any opposition lightly.
The team only had an
optional practice session on the eve of the game with most of the
regulars opting to rest, staying away from the ground where they had
thrashed Sri Lanka a day before.
The margin of
victory may well come into play if South Africa manages to win both its
remaining games, and, as such, Australia would not like to leave
anything to chance. Elyse Villani and Lanning ended the disappointing
outings for the Australian top-order in the competition with
half-centuries each and Ellyse Perry is the highest wicket-taker in
World T20s.
Ireland, on the other hand, has nothing
to lose, and, as such, would be under no pressure. Captain Isobel Joyce
has repeatedly spoken about going out with a positive mindset and
against Australia, that could be its biggest advantage.
Other
than Isobel herself and experienced leg-spinner Ciara Metcalfe, most of
the other Irish players have looked out of depth in the competition.
And, barring a major collapse, Australia can look to get another foot
into the door to semifinals on Saturday.
Match starts at 3.30 p.m. (STAR Sports 2 & HD2)
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