ICC Women's World T20 2020 Group A: The crunch clashes

Australia Women will head into the home T20 World Cup 2020 as defending champions
Australia Women will head into the home T20 World Cup 2020 as defending champions

Australia v IndiaSpotless Stadium, Sydney
Friday, 21 February 2020

The showdown between two heavyweights of the women's game makes for a near-perfect tournament opener. India have never reached the final of the competition, but impressed in their run to the semi-finals of the 2018 edition, and boast of some of the most talented ball-strikers in the world.

Australia, meanwhile, are four-time winners. They are the defending champions, and the fact that they are hosting the tournament will serve as extra motivation for what is a professional, ruthless outfit.

AUS v IND: Smriti Mandhana innings highlights

The last time these two sides met in the tournament, in the 2018 group stages, India came out on top, consigning Australia to a 48-run loss. Smriti Mandhana top-scored with a 55-ball 83 on that occasion, and expect her to be better and wiser in a year's time.

That said, Australia did win their previous two meetings in the competition, which means they have a head-to-head record of 2-1 in their favour.

India v New Zealand
Junction Oval, Melbourne
Thursday, 27 February 2020

Humbled by India in the opening game of Women's World T20 2018, New Zealand will be looking for revenge. With Australia the dominant side in Group A, this game is likely to determine the second semi-finalist. Amelia Kerr, who has an economy of less than six in T20Is, went at nine runs an over as Harmanpreet Kaur, the India T20I captain, ran riot, scoring her first century in the format.

NZ v IND: Harmanpreet Kaur's fantastic 103

Watch the highlights of India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur's blistering knock of 103 off 51 balls against New Zealand at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2018.

However, Kerr, who is one of the most exciting prospects in the women's game at the moment, should have more experience by 2020. It will set up an exciting battle between the two. The personal battle, and a budding rivalry between the two teams, will nicely set up this high-octane clash.

Australia v New Zealand
Junction Oval, Melbourne
Monday, March 2 2020

If this match is anything like the epic 2010 final between these sides – Australia defended a modest 106 by three runs – it should be a cracker. Both teams could field players who played that final – Ellyse Perry was Player of the Match on that occasion, with returns of 3/18, while a teenage Sophie Devine scored 38* to nearly take her team home.

The White Ferns have since made the final of the tournament twice, but haven't yet lifted the trophy. The fact that they exited the 2018 edition in the group stages will serve as extra motivation in 2020.

Australia, meanwhile, will want to continue their dominant run. Winners in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2018, they will be keen on adding a fifth crown to the mix and further cementing their legacy.