Mackay : With Australia A women drawing first blood in the three-match T20 series, all eyes turn to the iconic Great Barrier Reef Arena where India A women arrive desperate to bounce back and keep the series alive. The 2nd T20 is slated for Saturday, August 9, starting at 1:30 PM IST (6:00 PM local), promising high-voltage action between two emerging cricket powerhouses.
Australia A currently lead the series 1-0 after a gritty 13-run win in the opening encounter, where Anika Learoyd’s half-century provided the foundation for a defendable total. India’s Prema Rawat starred with 3 wickets, but a faltering chase saw only Raghvi Bist shine with a determined 33, falling short at 124/8.
As the teams return to Mackay for the second face-off, key players like Alyssa Healy and Shafali Verma are set to headline a star-studded battle. Australia A feature Nicole Faltum at the helm, backed by proven match-winners like Kim Garth and Tahlia Wilson. India A, led by Radha Yadav and deputy Minnu Mani, will rely on explosive batting from Verma and the spin of Rawat to overturn their fortunes.
Probable XIs:
Australia A: Alyssa Healy, Tahlia Wilson, Anika Learoyd, Courtney Webb, Madeline Penna, Nicole Faltum (c/wk), Tess Flintoff, Sianna Ginger, Kim Garth, Amy Edgar, Lauren Cheatle.
India A: Shafali Verma, Uma Chetry (wk), Dhara Gujjar, Vrinda Dinesh, Raghvi Bist, Sajana Sajeevan, Radha Yadav (c), Minnu Mani, Prema Rawat, Titas Sadhu, Saima Thakor.
Pitch & Conditions:
The Mackay surface has offered help to seamers early but rewards batters willing to play positively. Chasing has been statistically difficult so far in the series, with just a 33% win rate for teams batting second.
With the series hanging in the balance, expect both sides to raise their intensity, knowing a slip could seal their fate before the final showdown. Fans can catch the live action on FanCode in India and Kayo Sports in Australia.
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