'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
India and Australia will face off in a crunch Group A clash in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 on Sunday, October 13. The contest will be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
India need a win in this fixture to keep their hopes of making the semi-finals alive, but that's easier said than done while going up against defending champions Australia. To be fair to the Women in Blue, they've bounced back strongly after their early defeat to New Zealand, comfortably trouncing Sri Lanka in their last outing.
On the other hand, Australia are all but through to the semi-finals after another dominant win over Pakistan. However, an injury to seamer Tayla Vlaeminck and a potential injury to captain Alyssa Healy are causes for concern, and they'll hope that the latter is nothing serious.
Let's now look at the top three Dream11 captaincy picks from this fixture.
#3 Beth Mooney (WK) (AUS)
Alyssa Healy and Tayla Vlaeminck's injuries were two dark spots in Australia's dominant win against Pakistan. While fans will hope that the captain is fine, Australia are unlikely to risk her even if she's fit due to the short turnaround between the two games. As a result, Beth Mooney should take the gloves for this match.
Mooney is one of the most consistent batters in the world, and regardless of venue or opposition, you can count on her to score runs. She is Australia's highest run-scorer at this World Cup, and with the role of wicket-keeper added to her profile, her points ceiling is very high for this match.
Mooney also loves batting against India and has a terrific record across formats. In T20Is, she has scored 906 runs against India, averaging 47.7 at a strike rate of 123.9. She's definitely one to consider making your Dream11 captain.
#2 Deepti Sharma (ALL) (IND)
In what is a must-win game for them, India will turn to their star all-rounder Deepti Sharma to deliver the goods in a game tailor-made for her skillset. She hasn't been at her best yet in this tournament, and this would be the best time for her to return to form.
In Deepti's defense, India haven't enjoyed the spin-bowling comforts of the Sharjah wicket yet. She will hope the venue change brings about a much-needed change in performance for her.
Deepti has a wonderful record against Australia. In 21 matches, she has scored 357 runs, averaging nearly 30. She has also picked up 28 wickets against the Aussies.
All in all, Deepti Sharma has every reason to step up and deliver a huge haul in this match.
#1 Ashleigh Gardner (ALL) (AUS)
Ashleigh Gardner showed why she's a Dream11 must-have with a stellar performance against Pakistan on Friday. The Australian all-rounder picked up four wickets and finished the game off with the bat, rightfully winning the Player of the Match award as well.
Like Beth Mooney and Deepti Sharma, Gardner loves this fixture. In 20 matches against India, she has picked up 23 wickets while scoring 461 runs at an average of 28.8 and an eye-catching strike rate of 140.1.
Gardner is undoubtedly one of the best Dream11 captaincy options in this match.
