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| Australia aim for record-extending sixth Women's T20 World Cup trophy | | | agencies
NEW DELHI, Feb 10: The much-envied hegemony of Australia is likely to continue but a host of teams, led by India and England, will harbour hopes of breaking it when the ICC Women's T20 World Cup begins here Friday.
Packed with proven performers, Australia have lifted the trophy five times in seven editions. They have hardly been challenged in the format since winning the last T20 World Cup in 2020.
In the last 22 months, they have lost just one T20 and that defeat came against India away from home via a Super Over.
The defending champions will no doubt start as favourites once again and will aim for a second hat-trick of titles, which will be a record-extending sixth trophy.
The return of skipper Meg Lanning after a break is a massive boost for the holders. Star wicketkeeper batter Alyssa Healy, who is back after a calf injury, also seems to have shrugged off the rust which makes the side even more dangerous. The team's biggest strength is its depth in batting with plenty of big hitters like Lanning, Healy, Ellyse Perry and Tahlia McGrath adorning the line-up.
Experienced pacer Megan Schutt will spearhead the bowling department which has plenty of spinners to choose from.
All-rounder Ashleigh Gardner has also been in stellar form. A power-hitter down the order, the 25-year-old is the go-to person for skipper Lanning when Australia are in need of a wicket.
However, the hard-fought series against India and the loss in the warm up match against Ireland shows that Australia too can be defeated and the likes of India, England and New Zealand would fancy their chances.
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