India favourites, but don’t underestimate Australia: Jess Jonassen. Courtesy: PTIRavi Choudhary

India favourites for T20 World Cup, but don't underestimate Australia: Jess Jonassen

Women's T20 World Cup: Jess Jonassen backed India to perform well in the mega event, but also said that Australia can't be underestimated given their past records.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Australia are the most successful team in the T20 World Cup
  • Australia are also the defending champions after winning the title last year
  • India are yet to win the Women’s T20 World Cup

Jess Jonassen said that India are the front-runners for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. But she also said that one should not undermine Australia, who have won the title seven times, the most by any team. India, on the other hand, played the final once back in 2020, but are yet to get their hands on the coveted trophy.

Jonassen, who missed out from securing a spot in the squad, said that India would have the upper hand given the conditions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). But the left-arm spinner said that Australia know how to up their game in the biggest stage.

"India are well and truly the front-runner because of the depth and versatility that they have. They have better knowledge of UAE conditions. We have never played there, but Australia know how to play in big tournaments and can't be underestimated," Jonassen told during ABC International Development's five-day cricket commentary and mojo program at Australian High Commission.

‘No easy game’

Earlier, skipper Alyssa Healy said that she was looking forward to playing in the UAE, where Australia haven’t played a whole lot. Jonassen, however, said that the Aussies will have to put their best foot forward to win their fourth T20 World Cup title in a row after 2018, 2020 and 2023.

"We have played in different sub-continent pitches and conditions, but have little knowledge about UAE conditions, so it be challenging. We've been under another illusion that the pool that we are in is not one of the toughest. But I don't think there's going to be a single easy game," Jonassen added.

Australia’s first match is against Chamari Athapaththu’s Sri Lanka on Saturday, October 5 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. They will also face India, Pakistan, and New Zealand in the group stages.