New Delhi, Sept 26: Former Australian cricket captain Lisa Sthalekar believes the Indian women’s cricket team has the depth and balance to claim their first-ever ICC title in the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup. The tournament is set to take place in the UAE, starting October 3. India’s best performance in the event so far was a runner-up finish in 2020, where they lost to Australia in the final.
Speaking at the Australian High Commission during the ABC – International Development’s cricket commentary and mojo programme, Sthalekar shared her views on the top contenders for the global event.
“I can see Australia in the semifinals as they aim to win their fourth title in a row. England also had a strong build-up leading to the tournament. India’s chances are very high, and I expect them to reach at least the semifinals, if not the final,” she said.
India’s All-Round Strength
Sthalekar emphasized India’s depth and power, which she feels could play a key role in their success. She praised the team’s balance and expressed optimism regarding their performance.
“India has power, depth, and decent bowlers. If their batters from number 4-7 can score at a good strike rate, they will be in a strong position. A good start from the openers is crucial,” Sthalekar pointed out.
She specifically mentioned Jemimah Rodriguez, who has been in fine form recently, performing well in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). “It will be fascinating to see how she performs in the World Cup,” Sthalekar added.
India’s Potential to Overcome Australia
Reflecting on India’s past encounters with Australia, their frequent rivals in global events, Sthalekar highlighted India’s ability to upset the defending champions. She recalled India’s victory over Australia in the opening game of the 2020 T20 World Cup, where Poonam Yadav took four wickets to dismantle the Australian middle-order, securing a 17-run win.
“If any top-order Indian batter scores a century or the bowlers perform exceptionally well, they can take the game away from Australia,” said Sthalekar, who was the first woman to score 1,000 runs and take 100 wickets in One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
Equal Prize Money a Major Milestone
Sthalekar also expressed her approval of the ICC’s decision to offer equal prize money for men’s and women’s World Cups, stating that the move will have a significant impact on the growth of the women’s game.
“From a prize money perspective, it’s really good. But what I’m more pleased about is how much money teams are getting just for participating in the World Cup. This ensures that it’s not only the strong nations growing wealthier, but also helps develop the game globally,” she noted.
Sthalekar used Scotland as an example of how this policy will benefit emerging teams. “Scotland, participating for the first time, will earn money – probably more than their national contracts. This will help them immensely in growing the sport.”
Sthalekar’s Commentary Career
Sthalekar, who has become a respected cricket commentator since her retirement from playing, reflected on her journey behind the microphone. She explained that success in the commentary box requires finding one’s unique voice, rather than mimicking legendary figures.
“Not everyone has to be a Richie Benaud or a Danny Morrison. We all have different skills and strengths to bring to the commentary box, and that’s what makes it diverse and exciting,” she remarked.
Sthalekar described her opportunity to commentate during the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a defining moment in her career. “Commentating in the IPL was my 10-year goal, but I got the call within six months. I remember my first IPL match at Eden Gardens in 2015 – 70,000 screaming fans, and I had to interview Gautam Gambhir. It was an unforgettable experience.”
