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Australia v England, Womens’ final, World Twenty20, Colombo…Great rivals battle for top prize
Cricinfo – Considering their status in the women’s game and the fact the countries contested the finals of the first four Women’s World Cups, it seems strange that this will be the first meeting between England and Australia in a global final since 1988. But that will be the case on Sunday, when the holders, Australia, attempt to defend their title against England, winners of the inaugural Women’s World Twenty20 in 2009.
New Zealand have been the third wheel in recent times, losing to Australia in the Caribbean in 2010 and England at Lord’s a year earlier, but they fell at the semi-final stage at this tournament, denied the shot at an inglorious hat-trick. They became England’s fourth scalp in a row, with Charlotte Edwards’ team having already beaten Australia in their dead-rubber group game.
England arrived at the World T20 on the back of their first 20-over defeat in 20 completed matches.
The run that began after losing to Australia in January 2011 was ended by West Indies last month but, since then, England’s sense of invincibility has been reinvigorated.
Charlotte Edwards and Jodie Fields pose with the trophy (ICC Getty)
Katherine Brunt’s thrifty new-ball spells and England’s four spinners – with 16 wickets between them – have thrived on slow Sri Lankan pitches. Their batting is lead by three of the five leading run-scorers in the tournament in Edwards, Sarah Taylor and Laura Marsh.
Australia are not without good form or star players either. Their record of played 14, won 11 in 2012 is second only to England’s (who have won 17 out of 18) and the likes of Lisa Sthalekar, ranked the No. 1 bowler in the world, Julie Hunter, the leading wicket-taker in Sri Lanka, and Ellyse Perry form part of a formidable attack.
The batting may not have fired in quite the same way but you can be sure that Jodie Fields’ side will be all stoked up for a clash with the old enemy.
Any fixture between these two countries comes with the obligatory Ashes tag, which will add spice to a showpiece that is also a scene setter, ahead of the men’s final between Sri Lanka and West Indies. After a gap of 24 years, this one should offer compelling viewing all on its own.
Watch out for…
Charlotte Edwards may get fewer headlines these days, thanks to the impish brilliance of Sarah Taylor with bat and gloves, but her presence at the top of the order is still of immeasurable importance for England. The all-time leading run-scorer in the format, she also heads the standings at the 2012 World T20 and her ability to hit down the ground against spin gives her one up on most of England’s male batsmen. Her battle with Ellyse Perry could set the tone.
Julie Hunter may have torn up West Indies with a five-for during Australia’s semi-final win but it was Lisa Sthalekar who presented them gift-wrapped and ready for destruction, opening the bowling with her offspin and conceding just six runs from four overs.
Australia’s No. 4, she is also a good enough batsman to be ranked in the world’s top ten. At 33, Sthalekar is four months older than Edwards and further proof that T20 isn’t just for the kids.
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