'Better Knowledge of UAE, But…’: Jess Jonassen Makes Bold Predictions for IND and AUS at Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

As Women’s Cricket leads up to the headline event of the year, the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 hosted by the United Arab Emirates, the veteran Australian spin bowler, Jess Jonassen reveals her picks on who could go all the way to secure the title.

Speaking at an event in New Delhi, the Australian spinner, who has not been picked for the squad that would travel to the UAE, backs her teammates to get the job done and extend their dominance in the shortest format.

“In terms of top four teams, I have to say my own country Australia. I’ve seen first-hand how hard everyone has worked, not only over this pre-season but since that South Africa T20 World Cup. Obviously there is a little bit of change. But the girls have been building nicely for this World Cup,” she said, as quoted by FirstPost.

She also believes that the India Women’s team could also be one of the top sides of the tournament considering their familiarity playing in the UAE in comparison to Australia’s being a major point.

“India are well and truly the front-runner because of the depth and versatility that they have. They have better knowledge of UAE conditions. We have never played there, but Australia know how to play in big tournaments and can’t be underestimated,” she added.

As for England and Sri Lanka, Jonassen believes that the former will have some top-quality players in their squad that can help them take the win. As for the latter, she credited Sri Lanka’s approach to the game as they have gone on to topple some worthy oppositions in recent times.

“England is obviously always up there and definitely the third team. They’re currently over there (UAE) for a pre-season camp and they always take camps to Oman and from my understanding, the conditions are quite similar in the UAE. They have a really experienced side as well and some of the best players in the world are part of their side in Sophie Ecclestone and Nat Sciver-Brunt,” she shared

“Fourth I’m going with Sri Lanka. They are the most recent Asia Cup champions, they’ve won some series and games against some top sides,” Jonassen added.

The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set to begin on October 3, 2024, with the Bangladesh Women’s Team taking on the Scotland Women’s Team in the tournament opener at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium at 3:30 PM (IST).