Australia vs Sri Lanka ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Preview, Head-to-head stats, team news and possible lineups and Fantasy team predictions

Australia will begin their T20 Women's World Cup 2024 campaign with a high-stakes clash against Sri Lanka at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Sri Lanka, fresh from a tough opening match loss to Pakistan, will look to bounce back. For Australia, this will be their first match of the tournament, and they’ll want to start strong in a competitive group that also features powerhouses like India, Pakistan, and New Zealand. 

Here is everything you need to know about the Australia vs Sri Lanka match in Sharjah.

Match Details

Date: Saturday, October 5
Time: 2:00 PM Local Time (3:30 PM IST)
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE
Broadcast: Star Network
Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar

Australia vs Sri Lanka: Head-to-head stats in Women's T20Is

Australian women's team have always dominated the current Asian Champions as they have found victory on seven occasions they have faced Sri Lanka in WT20Is so far. Their last encounter in the shortest format of the game was in the T2O World Cup last year where Australia chased down Sri Lanka's 113-run target without losing any wickets. Alyssa Healy was player of the match for her unbeaten 54.

The Importance of This Game

For both teams, this match holds vital importance. Sri Lanka needs a victory to keep their semi-final hopes alive after a disappointing loss to Pakistan. For Australia, securing a win here will build crucial momentum as they navigate through a tough group. This is Australia's only day game of the tournament, and conditions could favour spin bowling, making it a fascinating tactical battle.

Read Also | ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: BAN-W vs ENG-W match preview; head to head; when and where to watch 

Team News & Key Players

Australia

Led by Alyssa Healy, Australia, like always are coming into this match with a formidable squad, despite a few injury concerns. Grace Harris and Phoebe Litchfield are under watch due to minor injuries, but the depth in the Australian camp ensures they have plenty of options.

However, Litchfield is expected to join the camp ahead of the clash.

Beth Mooney and her record against Sri Lanka

A key player, Beth Mooney's record against Sri Lanka is exceptional, with 247 runs at an average of 82 in six innings. Expect her to be a central figure in Australia’s batting.
  
Megan Schutt's ability to strike early

With her ability to swing the new ball, Megan Schutt will look to make early inroads, especially given the slow, spinning conditions of Sharjah, where she won't be able to find much assistance in the latter part of the inning. 

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka looked below average in the first game and will rely heavily on their experienced skipper, Chamari Athapaththu in their biggest challenge of the tournament. But they will need the rest of the team to step up if they are to compete with a team as strong as Australia. Their bowling attack, featuring spin heavily, will be pivotal.

Chamari Athapaththu, the HOPE for Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan captain is the heart of her team’s batting line-up. Her aggressive style will be crucial against Australia’s potent bowling attack. Moreover, the captain showed how crucial she will be with the ball in hand as well. Chamari's form will be a key clog in how far Sri Lanka will go in this T20 World Cup.
  
Harshitha Samarawickrama

A rising star, Samarawickrama showcased her abilities in the Asia Cup final and then continued her form in the Ireland series as well. Sri Lanka will need her to replicate that form to build competitive totals against the mighty Aussies.

Read Also | ICC Players of the Month for August: Wellalage, Samarawickrama crowned winners 

Pitch & Conditions

The Sharjah surface has historically favoured spin bowling, and early matches in the tournament have confirmed this trend. With its slow nature, the spinners from both sides will play crucial roles, and teams might look to set a target rather than chase under the daytime sun, which could lead to tricky batting conditions later in the match.

Possible Line-Ups:

Australia:
1. Alyssa Healy (c) (wk)
2. Beth Mooney
3. Ellyse Perry
4. Phoebe Litchfield
5. Tahlia McGrath
6. Ashleigh Gardner
7. Georgia Warham
8. Annabel Sutherland
9. Sophie Molineux
10. Megan Schutt
11. Tayla Vlaeminck

Sri Lanka:
1. Vishmi Gunaratne
2. Chamari Athapaththu (c)
3. Harshitha Samarawickrama
4. Kavisha Dilhari
5. Nilakshi de Silva
6. Hasini Perera
7. Anushka Sanjeewani (wk)
8. Sugandika Kumari
9. Inoshi Fernando
10. Sachini Nisansala
11. Udeshika Prabodhani

Read also: ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Squads of every team

Win Predictions

Historically, Australia has dominated Sri Lanka in T20Is, winning all seven of their previous encounters. In their most recent meeting during the 2023 T20 World Cup, Australia won convincingly by 10 wickets, with Megan Schutt dismantling the Sri Lankan batting order and Mooney-Healy finishing the chase with ease.

Australia, even though they have never played here, will go into this match as the clear favourites, but Sri Lanka will be eager to cause an upset and put their campaign back on track. Expect a tactical battle, with spinners from both sides playing a key role in determining the outcome on the slow Sharjah pitch. If Australia can neutralize Athapaththu early, they should comfortably take their first step towards the semi-finals.

Australia Women vs Sri Lanka Women: Fantasy Team Predictions

Beth Mooney (C), Alyssa Healy (vc), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Ellyse Perry, Nilakshi de Silva, Chamari Athapaththu, Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Warham, Udeshika Prabodhani, Megan Schutt, Sophie Molineux