An anti-climatic clash between New Zealand and India was followed by a nail-biting finish in England and Australia’s semi-final to confirm the finalists for the inaugural U19 Women’s T20 World Cup: England and India. Deservingly, the two most dominant teams have reached this stage and now battle it out for the trophy but who will come out on top?
What do the records say?
England are unbeaten, India are not. England thrashed all their opponents in the warm-ups, group stages and Super 6s, their largest margin being an 174 run win over Zimbabwe. India, however, have been beaten. In the Super 6s, they were bowled out by Australia for 87 and couldn’t save the game with the ball. India’s first upset, however, was against Bangladesh where they failed to chase 122. On the other hand, India have also had their fair share of wins, their biggest victory, beating the UAE by 121 runs.
Players to watch
England’s opening pair, Liberty Heap and Grace Scrivens, hold the record when they put on 136 runs for the first wicket against Ireland. They have regularly posted over 50 in the powerplay and are now experienced playing with eachother.
India’s opener, Shweta Sehrawat is also one to watch. As leading run-scorer with 292 runs under her belt, she has been instrumental in India reaching the totals that they have. You cannot look past Shafali Verma. Although she has only had one classic Shafali innings, 78 against the UAE, she knows how to step up for the big occasions.
Hannah Baker showed her skill as she constantly changed the game in England’s semi-final taking 3/10. Her leg-spin has both pace and turn and as the highest wicket taker left in the tournament, she will be looking to add to her total.
Worcestershire’s Ellie Anderson will also be an important part of the bowling plans. Taking 5/12 against the West Indies, her overall economy for the tournament is 3.18 and Anderson’s ability to take wickets early on was vital in the semi-final.
India’s leg-spinner, Parshavi Chopra, has been one of India’s most valuable players. Taking 9 wickets so far, an overall economy of 3.76 and best figures of 4/5, Chopra will want to silence England’s destructive batting.
Who has the upper hand?
Perhaps it’s a biased answer, but, England. In the semi-final, England did not give up after being bowled out for 99. England can handle high pressure situations and have the fight and belief that no other team has shown to the same extent.
Captaincy is another factor. Grace Scrivens is one of the most calm and focused young captains. Not only is she is a class player, her leadership qualities are far above India’s captain Shafali Verma. The team environment and energy on the field that England have created is key when there are such fine margins between teams.
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