Tall order awaits Netherlands as Australia eye another victim

Australia have hit the ground running at the Women's T20 World Cup, opening their campaign with emphatic victories over South Africa and Bangladesh. The manner of the win over South Africa would have particularly pleased them, given their recent pedigree in ICC tournaments. Their batting depth came to the fore in that contest after the early setbacks and the same group hardly had to break a sweat against Bangladesh. What was common in both victories was the ruthlessness of the bowling attack as they decimated both South Africa and Bangladesh with relative ease.

With these two wins, Australia have quickly underlined their title credentials very early in the tournament and are absolute favourites to make it three wins in a row by the end of the day on Saturday. The Netherlands, as expected, have made a rough start to their maiden T20 World Cup campaign. Kickstarting their tournament against Bangladesh presented them the ideal opportunity to get into the groove. Their batters did showcase some fight but a target of 140 was eventually overhauled by the Asian outfit.

Not many expected them to trouble the current ODI world champions India anyway as they were crushed by a margin of 95 runs. These two defeats to Bangladesh and India have exposed the gulf but the tournament has also offered the Dutch valuable exposure at the highest level. Having earned their place through qualification, they will be eager to show continued progress despite the challenging start. And no test on the global stage in women's cricket comes bigger than facing Australia. On paper, this shapes up as a mismatch. Another resounding victory would leave Australia with one foot in the semifinals. For the Netherlands, the challenge will be to remain competitive against a side that has barely put a foot wrong so far.

When: 20 June at 10:30 AM local time / 3 PM IST

Where: The Rose Bowl, Southampton

What to expect: While both New Zealand and West Indies made over 160 in the first game at this venue, the scores have only dipped since then. No rain interruptions are predicted for this fixture.

Team News

Australia

Australia made two forced changes for the Bangladesh fixture. Out of those two, Phoebe Litchfield will not be available for this fixture. Even though Sophie Molineux had mentioned Ash Gardner would be 'fine for next game', it will be interesting to see if Australia rush her back.

Probable XI: Beth Mooney(w), Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, Grace Harris, Georgia Wareham, Annabel Sutherland, Nicola Carey, Sophie Molineux(c), Alana King, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt

Netherlands

Netherlands picked an extra seamer in place of a batter against India. After getting shot out for 114, they might rethink that strategy against a red-hot bowling attack.

Probable XI: Heather Siegers, Phebe Molkenboer, Babette de Leede (w/c), Sterre Kalis, Robine Rijke, Sanya Khurana, Frederique Overdijk, Iris Zwilling, Caroline de Lange, Silver Siegers, Isabel Woning

Did you know

Netherlands and Australia have never faced each other in a T20I

In five women's T20s played at this venue this year, the side batting first has won only once