India to capitalise on injury-hit Australia for semis spot

A confident India will strive to take control of their destiny by securing yet another netrunrate boosting victory when they face an injuryravaged Australia in their mustwin Womens T20 World Cup 2024 on SundayIndias massive win over Sri Lanka earlier this week has significantly improved their chances of reaching the last four despite their setback against New Zealand in their openerMeanwhile Australia with six points from three matches and an impressive net run rate of 2786 have all but qualified for the semifinals leaving India New Zealand and Pakistan to fight out for the remaining spotHowever the defending champions suffered two injury setbacks during Fridayrsquos victory over Pakistan with skipper Alyssa Healy exiting the field due to an acute injury to her right foot and fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck dislocated her shoulderWith the pair which will undergo scans on Saturday expected to miss the crucial Womens T20 World Cup 2024 clash on Sunday Australias depth will be testedIndias 82run victory over Sri Lanka marked their largest margin of victory in tournament history boosting not only their confidence but also their net run rate from negative to positiveThe win also elevated them to second place in Group A just behind Australia who are undefeated in the tournament But India who are on 4 points will need a win to keep their knockout aspirations alive as New Zealand have one more game in hand and can also reach a total of 6 pointsIf thats the scenario qualification will hinge on the net run rate While India currently holds a 0567 NRR New Zealand 0050 could surpass Harmanpreet Kaur and Co with substantial victories over the struggling Pakistan and Sri LankaAlso ReadIndia women have first taste of conditionsPakistan have 2 points from three games If they defeat New Zealand in their final match and India lose to Australia there is a possibility that all three teams could be stuck on 4 points and again the NRR will come into playThus the Women in Blue will be desperate not only for a win but also for another net run rate boost to steer off any threat from the KiwisIndia have always challenged the Aussies and with a lastfour spot on the line Harmanpreet Kaur would want her side to produce its A game once againThe fact that the top order comprising Shafali Verma Smriti Mandhana and skipper Harmanpreet is back among runs augers will for the sideConsidering that it will be Indias first match and the venue has been tough on the batters a lot will hinge on the trio and Jemimah Rodrigues who is due for a big knockThe bowlers who enjoyed a stellar outings against Pakistan and Sri Lanka will hope to keep their opponents quietIf Healy misses out Australia will face the challenge of finding a new captain wicketkeeper and opening batter significantly reshaping their lineup Beth Mooney will take over the wicketkeeping dutiesBut vicecaptain Tahlia McGrath who is expected to lead the side against India insists Australia are ready to call on their squad strengthThe thing about this Australia team is the depth we have Itrsquos time to use itrdquo she said on FridayWith agency inputs