Hardly has any rivalry in the past 20 years match the thrill and competitiveness of India vs Australia. This is not limited just to the boys but also is visible amongst the ladies. Australia's record in women's cricket is unchallengeable but India have every now and again given them some sour taste. Be it the semis in 2017 WC or the group game of the WT20 in 2019 or recently stopping Australia's consecutive ODI win streak.
Australia's Campaign:
Not surprisingly, they have been the form team of the tournament. Not just winning but hammering all the opponents barr England so far. Beating India ensures a semi final seat and also a sweet revenge for 2017 as it might put India's semi hopes in a jeopardy. Thier batting is churning runs at will, Haynes being the top scorer of the tournament so far ably supported by Healy, Lanning,Perry,Mooney and Gardner. What will please Australia will be the bowling form and fitness of Ellyse Perry. As of now a freak individual effort is only likely way to beat this team
India's Campaign:
Beat Pakistan,Lost to NZ, Beat WI, Lost to England. India's form and batting has been patchy. They have been found out against the big teams and will have the face the best now to prove they aren't small team hunters. While Mandhana and Harman have looked in bright form, the rest really don't know what they are expected to do. They need an inspirational performance and soon. While losing this fixture won't kill thier WC chances but will dent them big time. They'll then have to beat another in form South Africa and depend on results of West Indies and England.
Eden Park in Auckland will host it's first match of the tournament. In the recent Odi series vs India as well as historically it has been a high scoring ground, so expect a batting treat.
Stat Attack:
Jhulan Goswami will be playing her 200th ODI. She'll become the second player after her captain Mithali Raj to get to the milestone
Mithali Raj is the only player to amass 1000 or more runs in Australia vs India encounters but only at an average of 32.96, the Only team against whom she averages less than 43
Ellyse Perry needs 5 wickets to be the highest wicket taker in Ind vs Aus women's ODIs
Dream XI team:
Healy, Lanning,Mandhana, Haynes,Bhatia,Perry, McGrath,Jonassen, Gayakwad,King, Vastrakar
