Women's T20 World Cup 2024, Match 5 | AU-W vs SL-W Playing 11 Prediction, Preview And Live Streaming

Australia Women will face Sri Lanka on Saturday [Source: @AusWomenCricket/X]

On Saturday, Australia will lock horns with Sri Lanka in their opening match of the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. The much-anticipated clash will take place at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. 

AU-W vs SL-W: Team Previews

Australia Women

Led by Alyssa Healy, Australia have a star-studded squad for the tournament. While the skipper forms a destructive opening pair with Beth Mooney, swashbuckling batter Tahlia McGrath ensures solidity at the top order. 

However, the all-rounders are Australia's biggest assets, with the likes of Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Grace Harris and Annabel Sutherland expected to emerge as serious threats to their Lankan counterparts. 

Megan Schutt and Darcie Brown are set to spearhead the Aussies' pace bowling department, while Alana King will be pivotal with her wrist spin in the middle overs. The eyes will also be on Sophie Molineux, who grabbed a million eyeballs through her impressive outings for RCB Women in this year's WPL. 

---

ALSO READ

Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Match 5, AU-W vs SL-W Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today's Match?

---

Sri Lanka Women

Sri Lanka lost their first game vs Pakistan [Source: @AusWomenCricket/X]

On the other hand, Sri Lanka Women had a disastrous start to the T20 World Cup, losing their first game against Pakistan Women by 31 runs. Despite restricting Pakistan to a paltry 116-run total, Sri Lanka put up a disappointing performance with the bat, finishing their innings on 85 for nine in 20 overs. 

Skipper Chamari Athapaththu's batting failure was a significant reason behind Sri Lanka's horrendous defeat in the match. The Lankan captain had a memorable outing with the ball though, registering a clinical three-wicket haul. 

Apart from her, Vishmi Gunaratne, who recently struck a blazing ODI ton, will play a crucial role for Sri Lanka alongside the experienced duo of Harshita Samarawickrama and Udeshika Prabodhani. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka will start as the underdogs, and it will be a miracle if they defeat the Aussies in this match. 

AU-W vs SL-W: Match Details and Live Streaming

AU-W vs SL-W: Sharjah Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

The surface at Sharjah Cricket Stadium will likely be on the drier side. The batters will enjoy their time against the new ball, with run-scoring becoming an uphill task as the ball gets older. The spinners will get significant assistance in Sharjah, making things difficult for the batters in the middle overs. As run-scoring will be tough in the latter half, the toss-winner will likely bat first. 

AU-W vs SL-W: Probable Playing XIs

Australia Women: Alyssa Healy (C/WK), Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Grace Harris, Annabel Sutherland, Alana King, Sophie Molineux, Darcie Brown, Megan Schutt

Sri Lanka Women: Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (C), Harshita Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani (WK), Sachini Nisansala, Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Fernando, Udeshika Prabodhani

AU-W vs SL-W: Winner Prediction

Considering their strength on paper, Australia Women are the clear favourites to emerge victorious in this match. 

---

ALSO READ

AU-W vs SL-W Dream11 Prediction Today Match, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Pitch Report - Women's T20 World Cup 2024, Match 5

---