A T20 World Cup at the back end of the South African summer will mean lower scores and an increased emphasis on fielding, Aussie spinner Jess Jonassen believes.
On the eve of the T20 World Cup, Jonassen said the team’s first observations of the venues to be used showed “tired” wickets that were reminiscent of the 2018 tournament held in the West Indies.
Australia won that tournament, with low scores – including many below 100 – featuring throughout the tournament.
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Even in the final, the Aussies bowled England out for just 105, before chasing it down in the 16th over.
Jonassen said the conditions alone mean the tournament is wide open, and the winning side will be the most versatile.
“It’s later in the summer over here, later in their season, so the wickets seem a little bit tired at the moment,” she told Cricket Australia’s Scoop podcast.
“I think with it being slower … we might not see some really high-scoring games.
“There will be a lot of close matches, it’ll bring a lot of the teams quite close together. There will be no flat track bullies, nothing like that.
“So I think the teams with the most versatility will probably come out on top.”
When is the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup?
The eighth edition of the championship will begin on Saturday, February 11 (AEDT) with the opening group match between host nation South Africa and Sri Lanka.
The group stage will conclude on Wednesday, February 22 before the semi finals kick off on Friday, February 24.
The event will conclude with the final on Monday, February 27.
Most matches will be played in the early morning for Australian audiences.
Where will the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup be held?
For the first time in the tournament’s history, South Africa will host the action.
Matches will be played at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, St George’s Park Cricket Ground in Gqeberha and Boland Park in Paarl.
How does the Women’s T20 World Cup fixture work?
The 10 participating nations are split into two groups of five.
Each team will play the other four teams in its group once, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi finals.
Who is in the Australian squad?
Meg Lanning (C), Alyssa Healy, vice-captain (VC), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland and Georgia Wareham.
Which nations are in which group?
Group 1: Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and South Africa.
Group 2: England, Ireland, India, Pakistan and West Indies.
When does Australia play?
Australia’s campaign gets underway with a massive clash against trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand.
Australia v New Zealand – Saturday 11 February, 4am AEDT, Boland Park
Australia v Bangladesh – Tuesday 14 February, 4am AEDT, St George’s Park
Sri Lanka v Australia – Thursday 16 February, 12am AEDT, St George’s Park
South Africa v Australia – Saturday 18 February, 4am AEDT, St George’s Park
How to watch the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia?
Every match of the Women’s T20 World Cup will be available to stream on Kayo Sports and Kayo freebies.
Matches will also be broadcast on Fox Cricket.
When and where is the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup final?
The final will be played on Monday, 27 February at 12am (AEDT). The decider will take place at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town.
Who is the favourite to win the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup?
Australia (ICC Women’s T20I world ranking No.1): $1.50 odds per PointsBet (correct at time this article was published)
The defending champions are the favourites to claim another title.
Despite a surprise three-wicket loss to Ireland in the warm-up matches, imposing series wins over India and Pakistan in recent months prove the Aussie team’s stature.
The other teams who are among the favourites to take out the tournament include India ($5), England ($5) and New Zealand ($10).
Who are the previous winners of the Women’s T20 World Cup?
Meg Lanning’s side is gunning for a hat-trick in South Africa after claiming the title in 2018 and 2020.
Australia is the most successful nation in the championship’s history having lifted the trophy five times in the event’s seven instalments.
2020: Australia by 85 runs over India
2018: Australia by eight wickets over England
2016: West Indies by eight wickets over Australia
2014: Australia by six wickets over England
2012: Australia by four runs over England
2010: Australia by three runs over New Zealand
2009: England by six wickets over New Zealand
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