Women's T20 World Cup: Lisa Sthalekar backs India to at least reach semi-finals

Lisa Sthalekar ranked India as one of the favourites to at least reach the semi-final of the Women's T20 World Cup, if not the final. India will aim to clinch their maiden women's World Cup title.

In Short

• Lisa Sthalekar predicts Australia, England and India to reach the semi-final
• India aim to clinch maiden Women's World Cup title in UAE
• Australia will enter the tournament as defending champions, eyeing 4th straight title

Former Australian captain Lisa Sthalekar reflected on India's chances in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024. Sthalekar said that she would expect India to reach at least the semi-final if not the final in the UAE. The 2005 World Cup, 2012 and 2013 T20 World Cup winner Sthalekar also backed Australia and England as hot favourites to reach the knockout stage in the lead up to the tournament. India will aim to end their wait for their maiden women's World Cup title, which remained elusive for them for years.

"I can see Australia in the semifinals as they are aiming to win their fourth (title) in a row. England too had a strong pre-tournament build-up. India's chances are also very high and I expect them to be in the semifinals, if not in the finals," Sthalekar told a select group of journalists at the ABC - International Development's five-day cricket commentary and mojo programme at the Australian High Commission.

Australia's dominance in Women's T20 World Cups

Australia beat India in the Women's T20 World Cup 2020 at their home in final, followed by another win in the summit clash against hosts South Africa in 2023 to register third consecutive triumph in the marquee tournament. While Australia mostly dominated in the women's T20 World Cup over the years having won it six times, England clinched the first-ever tournament in 2009.

Sthalekar also hailed the depth and power that the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian side possessed, which made them one of the favourites for the women's T20 World Cup 2024.

"India has got power, depth, decent bowlers and if their 4-7 number batters can score at a good strike rate, they will be in a good position. They need a good start from the openers."

"Fascinating to see how Jemimah performs"

Sthalekar was also looking forward to see Jemimah Rodrigues in the T20 World Cup after her impressive performance in the Women's CPL. She scored 104 runs in the tournament, including an unbeaten 59, which guided the Trinbago Knight Riders to the final.

"Jemimah Rodriguez did well in the West Indies (in the CPL) recently. It will be fascinating to see how she performs in the WC," she said.

"If any top order Indian batter scores a century or bowlers have a good day, they can take the game away," said the veteran.