PLAYERS TO WATCH AT WOMEN'S TWENTY20 WORLD CUP
AUSTRALIA: BETH MOONEY
Enters the tournament in supreme form off the back of a successful tri-series against India and England. While other big names have lacked batting form, she dominated at the top of the order for Brisbane in the Big Bash and can make a real statement opening for Australia.
INDIA: SHAFALI VERMA
She only turned 16 at the end of January, but Verma has exploded onto the international stage thanks to a big summer. Whacked 124 off 78 balls against Australia A in December and goes at a strike rate of above 140 at the top of the order in Twenty20 internationals.
NEW ZEALAND: SOPHIE DEVINE
Had arguably the best Women's Big Bash League season in history this summer with 769 runs at 76.90, and 19 wickets at 20.68 from her medium-pacers. Blasted a record 29 sixes in her 16 games and then backed it up with a dominant New Zealand domestic competition.
SRI LANKA: CHAMARI ATAPATTU
Australia's arch-nemesis. Even though the Aussies have never lost to Sri Lanka, Atapattu averages 43 against the tournament hosts in all formats. With the potential to take any game by the scruff of the neck, she hit a dazzling 60-ball century at North Sydney Oval earlier this summer.
BANGLADESH: NIGAR SULTANA
Starred with the bat as Bangladesh ended India's stranglehold on the Asia Cup two years ago. A known performer on the big stage, she averaged 30 in that tournament and hit a crucial 27 in the final. Aged 22, she can also wicketkeep and has a big future ahead of her.
ENGLAND: HEATHER KNIGHT
England's skipper arrives as one of the form players in Twenty20 cricket. The Hobart Hurricanes star had a stellar tri-series against India and Australia and looks to be thriving with the bat under the freedom given to her by new coach Lisa Keightley.
SOUTH AFRICA: SHABNIM ISMAIL
Bowls at high speeds and impressed Australian audiences in the Women's Big Bash League with the Sydney Thunder. Highly economical and one of the big reasons why South Africa are considered one of the most threatening underdogs in the competition.
WEST INDIES: HAYLEY MATTHEWS
In a team of hard hitters Hayley Matthews stands out as one of the West Indies biggest blasters. Went at a strike rate of above 140 at the last World Cup two years ago when they made the semi-finals, and is still only 21. Also a more than a handy bowler with her off-breaks.
PAKISTAN: BISMAH MAROOF
Pakistan stalwart who has played more than 200 games for her country. Hit 60 against England late last year in a T20 international and will be the backbone of her team's batting at No.3. Also goes at less than a run a ball with her legspinners.
THAILAND: CHANIDA SUTTHIRUANG
Took 12 wickets at an average of just 5.66 with her medium-pacers as Thailand defied the odds to win through to the World Cup via the qualifiers. Was named the ICC's emerging player of the year in 2019 as a result and will be hoping to add to her growing reputation.
Australian Associated Press
