ICC Womens World Cup: Australia target record 8th title in final vs defending champions England

The ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 final is
going to be played between Australia and England on Sunday at the Hagley Oval.
England reached the final after defeating South Africa, while the kangaroo beat
West Indies in the Semi-finals.

Also Read: Allow Ravindra Jadeja to lead, say ex-cricketers, after MS Dhoni sets field for CSK

Australia have been in terrific form and
have remained been unbeaten in the tournament. England, on the other hand, have
had a topsy-turvy campaign in this World Cup which saw them engaged with India
for a last-minute fight for a semifinal berth.

Going into the final, England will get the
services of their front-line players like Nat Sciver, Sophie Ecclestone and
Danny Wyatt. After struggling early in the tournament, they got their form back
and would challenge the Australia bowlers.

Also Read: IPL: Ravi Shastri awed by SRH’s Umran Malik, says can be ‘India player’

“I woke up this morning and really wanted
to contribute to a win today and that’s what happened. I obviously got dropped
a few times, but that’s cricket and you’ve got to cash in on days like today so
I’m really happy with how it went. Every game since that India game has been a
knockout match. So today was like any other match that we’ve played in the last
few games,’ said England opener Wyatt.

Australia, who are looking to lift their
7th ICC World Cup trophy, have the advantage of an in form top order which is
comprised of Alyssa Healy, Rachael Haynes, Meg Lanning and Beth Mooney. Their
form has been the reason for Australia’s domination in the tournament.

Also Read: Sachin Tendulkar recalls dilemma facing Shane Warne in first meeting

Their bowlers Jens Jonassen, Alana King and
Tahila McGrath also have adapted pretty well to the New Zealand conditions
where boundaries are quite shorter compared to Australian boundaries.

England, who are a four-time champion, will
look to win their fifth in the tournament. However, the final is not going to
be an easy contest, given that Australia have been in outstanding form.

Also Read: ICC committed to bring parity between women and men’s prize money

If they do win, Australia will hold both
the T20 and ODI World Cup trophies as well as the Ashes, following the recent
triumph over England on home soil.

They have passed every test with flying
colours and a win in the final would confirm Australia’s complete dominance of
the women’s game.

Since losing to India in the semifinals of
the 2017 World Cup, Australia has only lost two ODIs in an incredible stretch
that included a record-breaking streak of 26 consecutive victories.

Australia Women vs England Women Head to
Head

Australia and England have played 152
matches in the ODI format. Out of these 152 games, Australia has won 84 whereas
England has won 63. Three matches ended without a result.

Also Read: Ashwin understands why Buttler was deflated, upset after Mankad episode

Australia had beat England by 13 runs in the
league match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022.

Probable
XI

Australia
women: Alyssa Healy (wk), Rachael Haynes, Meg
Lanning (c), Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner,
Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown.        

England
women: Tammy Beaumont, Danielle Wyatt, Heather
Knight (c), Natalie Sciver, Amy Jones (wk), Sophia Dunkley, Katherine Brunt,
Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross, Charlotte Dean, Anya Shrubsole.