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Away from all the glitz and glamour that usually accompany a men’s World Cup, the ICC Women’s World Cup is finally here. It is no surprise that the build-up to the tournament has been as good as any gully match; by which I mean there has been no publicity at all. In contrast to the cut-outs, banners, posters, advertisements in every nook and corner or Colombo at the ICC World Twenty20, this tournament is parched of any marketing whatsoever.
But that doesn’t stop us enthusiasts in following the women’s game and the World Cup. Here is a preview of the teams’ participating.
The defending titleholders are a strong unit led by a brainy Charlotte Edwards – the most capped player in women’s ODIs. They are a good team on the field whose opponents will need to take every chance they get to beat them.
Adapting to these conditions might be a challenge for them. But as seen in the World Twenty20 held in Sri Lanka last year, they have the competences to progress well in the tournament. Their star keeper-batsman, Sarah Taylor, is one to look out for, being one of the best players in the team.
New Zealand
The runners-up of the previous World Cup are a gifted team with loads of experience, which is their strength. The likes of Suzie Bates, Sara McGlashan, Nicola Browne and Sophie Devine have all played 40 ODIs at a minimum.
The Kiwi girls have ended up being second-best three times and often fall short of that one last step. They will be looking to turn things around this year. Much relies on Suzie Bates who comes into the tournament in good form as she notched up a ton and two half-centuries in her last 5 ODIs.
Australia
Australia, having an all-round strong side, finished fourth last time around. The conditions in India, or the subcontinent for that matter, might not be favourable, but the Southern Stars have won the World Cup on the two occasions that the elite tournament has been held in India.
The key player for the Aussie girls will be Elysse Perry, who has been a consistent contributor with the bat and ball. Meg Lanning has been in fine form after having scored a 45-ball century and a couple of fifties in the recent series against New Zealand as part of preparation for the World Cup.
West Indies
The West Indies women finished fifth last time around. They are gifted with a power-packed team of players that are aggressive and dominant. They are in decent form at the moment, having drawn their series against the South Africans 2-all after having been 2 games down to nil.
Their run in recent times has been quite similar to the men’s team in terms of performance with neither teams capitalizing on their resources. They hope to have a better outing this time around by at least finishing in the top 3 if not going all the way. Their opener, Stafanie Taylor, who is currently the title-holder of the ICC Women’s International Cricketer of the Year, will play a vital role in their campaign in Mumbai. What will be interesting to see, however, is if they turn their fortunes around and follow the men’s team, thus winning the coveted silverware.
India
India finished third last time around and although they would have the home advantage going into the tournament, they failed to make the finals the previous two times that the World Cup was held in India. A lot is expected from the top order and they will have to set the foundation if the Indian girls are to reach the end of the tournament.
Captain Mithali Raj, who is one of the more experienced players in the side, having played 141 ODIs, will play a key role in India’s campaign in their pursuit to reach the second finals of the World Cup.
Pakistan
Pakistan finished sixth last season but will be hoping to turn things around this year for themselves. They have a very able team and the subcontinental conditions will only assist them in their campaign, particularly the off-spinner, Nida Dar. Their preparations were hampered due to political pressures in Mumbai and hence, the matches were moved to Cuttack.
Sadia Yousuf, the slow left-armer, who was the joint highest wicket taker at the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka, along with Nida Dar will pose a challenge for the opposition teams.
South Africa
The South African team’s strength is clearly batting with three of their batters occupying a place in the Top 20 of ICC ODI rankings. Captain Mignon du Preez, Cri-Zelda Brits and Tricia Chetty have their places amongst the best 20 in the world, which reflect on their consistency and contributions.
Their bowling however seems to be on their weaker side, with only Sunette Loubster finding a place in the top 20 bowlers. An experienced campaigner of 62 ODIs, Cri-Zelda Brits averages almost a whopping 60! She will be one to look forward to, as she makes a comeback after a whole year, providing the Proteas with a welcome impetus.
Sri Lanka
The Lankan damsels finished last at the previous World Cup and were rightly quite disappointed. Despite having a good team with handy all-rounders, they failed to win a single game in 2009. This time, they have all-rounders such as former captain Chamani Seneviratna and Sripali Weerakkody, who will be their trump cards. In this year’s World Cup, their best chance is a win against the West Indies. The Sri Lankan’s women team have not played an ODI since April last year, which means they are devoid of match practice and could be a disadvantage for them heading into the World Cup.
