Given the intensity of their rivalry, the England-Australia clash is expected to be hard fought, regardless of the gender. And with the English men and women both playing their semifinals of the World Twenty20 here on Wednesday, albeit against different opponents, Charlotte Edwards' girls would be hoping not only to avenge their defeat to Australia in the previous two editions but also set a winning template for the men to follow suit.
Australia edged out England in the previous two World T20 finals. England, however, has won 14 of its 24 T20Is against Australia.
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England has been unbeaten in the competition so far and Charlotte knows the team would have to be on top of its game in every department to defeat the defending champion. Having won its last two league games at the same venue with a dominant performance, Meg Lanning's side has the advantage of being more acclimatised to the conditions.
Barring the blip against New Zealand, Australia's bowling has done well. The only concern had been its opening. Alyssa Healy has been getting out early but Elyse Villani’s return to form has given the team a huge boost up the order. The only issue for the team would be that its middle order hasn’t played a lot and Lanning admitted that the top-order's performance would be the key for both sides.
England, on the other hand, has been hugely reliant on its captain Charlotte, the tournament's top-scorer. It has the seam attack to make any batting uncomfortable. Both sides hope the pitch supporting some strokeplay as well as the spinners.
“We weren't favourites to win the semifinal in 2009. So this is a similar kind of situation and I hope to have a similar result,” Charlotte said. England, as host, had won that first meeting between the two sides in the competition seven years back. But a lot of water has flown under the bridge since then.
With both sides promising to play aggressive cricket, it would be a delight for the fans.
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