Jess Jonassen picks her favorite team for the Women’s World Cup T20 2024; it also features four semi-finalists

Australian cricketer Jess Jonassen revealed his top choice of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024and his predictions for the four semi-final teams. The ninth edition of the tournament will begin on October 3, 2024, at United Arab Emirates (UAE)featuring matches in Dubai and Sharjah. Notably, Jonassen himself will not be a part AustraliaA team of 15 members, as the strongest spin-bowling team in existence Georgia Wareham, Sophie Molineux, Alana King again Ashley Gardner selected for this type.

Jess Jonassen’s pick and first semi-final: The front-runner to win the T20 World Cup title

Although Australia is traditionally considered a minority in women’s cricket, Jonassen believes that India are the best in the T20 World Cup. He emphasized India’s depth and versatility, which, combined with their superior knowledge of the UAE’s playing conditions, positions them as front runners. While Australia have the ability to perform well in major tournaments, Jonassen pointed to their lack of experience in the UAE conditions, something he feels will give India a significant advantage. According to Jonassen, Australia have played at different venues on the continent, but the UAE presents a unique challenge, making India the team to beat in the upcoming tournament.

“India is going well and is the front runner. The depth of players and the flexibility they have in their game is gone. I think they are experiencing conditions in the UAE as well, which is something Australia is experiencing as well, as we have never played in the UAE before. So yes, we have played in different arenas and conditions of the continent, but I think no related experience will be a challenge. We have been under the illusion that the pool the Aussies are in is a tough one. But having said that, I don’t think there will be one easy game in the whole World Cup, which is very exciting,” Jonassen was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

Three semifinals

Jonassen, despite backing India as the frontrunners, did not ignore Australia’s heroics. The Australian team has been doing well at major international tournaments, and Jonassen expressed confidence in his country’s ability to adapt to the occasion. Although he will not be part of the squad this time, thanks to Australia’s strong spin-bowling system, Jonassen highlighted the hard work and preparation of his team-mates since they won the 2023 T20 World Cup. South Africa. He admitted that while Australia have faced challenges recently, their ability to thrive under pressure and their statistical dominance in major tournaments make them a formidable force in the tournament.

“Regarding the top four teams, I have to say my country, Australia. I’ve seen firsthand how hard everyone has worked, not just this pre-season. Since that South Africa T20 World Cup (won) as well (in 2023), obviously little has changed. But I think that the team and the girls have done well in this World Cup. There were a few series where we didn’t perform as well as we wanted. But seeing the games they were playing and the hard work they were doing – I think when it comes to the World Cup and major tournaments, statistically no one is better than Australia,” commented the left-arm spinner.

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Well prepared with experience in similar situations

Jonassen’s third choice in the semi-finals is In Englanda group known for playing hard on the world stage. He noted that England’s pre-season camp in Oman has prepared them well for the conditions in the UAE, which are similar to the playing conditions in Oman. An experienced England system, with world-class players like you Sophie Ecclestone again Nat Sciver-Bruntmaking them a serious competitor in this competition. Jonassen praised the team’s consistency and adaptability, which will be important in the UAE.

“It’s obvious that England is always sitting and is the third team. They are currently there for a pre-season camp and they always take camps to Oman and from what I understand, the conditions are the same in the UAE. They have an experienced team and some of the best players in the world are part of them in Sophie Ecclestone and Nat Sciver-Brunt,” the Australian bowler added.

Recent form makes them a threat

A good chance for Jonassen’s selection in the semi-finals is Sri Lanka, a team that has recently been at the top level. Sri Lanka’s victory in the Women’s Asia Cup, where they defeated India in the final, showed that they have the potential to do well in the world. Jonassen highlighted key players like himself Chamari Athapaththu again Harshitha Samawickramacontributed to the success of Sri Lanka. With recent series wins and the confidence of their Asia Cup title, Jonassen believes that Sri Lanka can be a dark horse in the tournament, capable of causing an upset against the top teams.

“Fourth for me, it’s almost a tie, but I won’t sit on the fence and go with Sri Lanka to be fair. Obviously the recent champions of the Asia Cup too, have won series and matches against some top teams. To think they are actually in the purple and doing really well. Obviously, Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samawickrama as well, the way they are doing and bringing back (Inoka) Ranaweera and a bit of experience in the bowling department. But in those situations, if one of those players is on fire, he will actually be a challenging opponent,” Jonassen concluded.

Upcoming battle: Tournament of top teams and competing teams

As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on the 10 participating teams as they navigate the challenges presented by the UAE conditions. Jonassen’s selections – India, Australia, England, and Sri Lanka – reflect a combination of experience, conditioning, and adaptability, with each team bringing something different to the table. While Australia are aiming to defend their fourth consecutive title, India are looking to improve on their second-placed finish since 2020. England, the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup champions in 2009, will be looking to reclaim the title, while Sri Lanka enter. tournament as the reigning Asia Cup champions, hoping to continue their winning streak on the world stage.

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This article was originally published on WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.