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While the Indian men's team are battling in the Test against New Zealand, the women’s prepare for their journey in the World T20 in a mouth-watering clash against the host and reigning champions Australia at the Sydney Showground. India Women, having won their last two T20 series against South Africa and West Indies, are strong favourites to win the championship. Australia, on the other hand, are equally strong contenders to retain their title having won it four out of six times already. 

The women in blue, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur boast of an impressive side featuring heavyweights of the game like Smriti Mandhana, Shefali Verma and Kaur herself. India would back themselves to reverse the result of their last face-off in the tri-series that also included England. In that match, India's weakness in the middle order was exposed as they lost by just 11 runs even after Kaur scored a quickfire 66 off just 37 balls. India lost four wickets for just 12 runs in that match while chasing 156. 

Read | ICC Women's T20 World Cup - SWOT Analysis: Team Australia

However, the bowling arsenal, led by Poonam Yadav, look to be in very good shape as they reduced West Indies for just 108 runs on 18th February. 

Australia are still ahead on head-to-head. They have managed three wins in the last five clashes while Indian eves have won twice, both in the Tri-Series. Australia's batting order is in complete sync with skipper Meg Lanning firing from the front would be the main challenge for the Indian team. 

Read | ICC Women's T20 World Cup - SWOT Analysis: Team India

Another notable thing to keep in mind is the condition of the wicket which has favoured the side batting first in the Big Bash League this season. The last two matches on the wicket have been disrupted by rainfall and ended up being a slow surface to bat on. However, the team batting first have won four out of five previous times.

Where to watch: Star Sports 1/1 HD, Star Sports 2/2 HD, Hotstar

When to Watch: February 21st, 1:30 PM IST

Read | India Women target upset in tournament opener against Australia Women

Feature image courtesy: Twitter / @T20WorldCup

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