Both Australia and England combined have won ten out of eleven World Cups since the beginning of the competition in 1973. This stat clearly indicates how dominating these two teams were in the World Cup event. Their dominance in the history of the tournament has continued in the twelfth edition of the tournament as Australia will face England in the championship match. Only New Zealand have won a World Cup other than these two in the year 2000. Let's take a look at how Australia and England have qualified for the 2022 ICC Women's World Cup final.
2022 Women’s World Cup: Australia’s Road to Final
The Australian Women’s team has taken part in the tournament as a hot favourite and they have performed like a real winner. Australia are the only team that has remained undefeated in the tournament. They have won eight matches on the trot, including the semifinal clash against the West Indian Women’s team. Here are the results of Australia's women’s team so far.
Australia vs England
Australia started the campaign with a 12-run win over arch-rivals England. England failed to reach Australia’s 311-run target as they finished the innings on 298/8. Rachael Haynes won the player of the match for her 130-run knock.
Also Read: PAK vs AUS Series 2022: Australia Eye Third Spot in ICC CWC Super league
Pakistan vs Australia
Australia comprehensively beat Pakistan by 7 wickets in their second match. Batting first, Pakistan made 190/6 in their allotted 50 overs. Australia chased down the target with 92 balls to spare for the loss of 3 wickets.
Australia vs New Zealand
New Zealand suffered a heavy defeat in front of their home crowds against Australia. Australia made 269/8 and, in reply, New Zealand were bowled out for only 128 in 30.2 overs. Australia sealed their third consecutive victory by 141 runs.
West Indies vs Australia
Australia didn’t have to work hard to beat the West Indies, as batting first, the Caribbean side was bowled out for only 131 runs. The Australian women’s team chased down the total in 30.2 overs for the loss of 3 wickets and won the match by 7 wickets.
Also Read: SA vs BAN Series 2022: Bangladesh Aim Unprecedented Feat on South African Territory
India vs Australia
There was a lot of buzz prior to this contest, as India were hoping to end Australia’s winning momentum. The Indian side put up a great battle against Australia to defend their 277 runs. But Australia sealed the match by 6 wickets with 3 balls to spare. Meg Lanning won the player of the match for her crucial 97-run knock.
South Africa vs Australia
South Africa also fought hard against Australia but couldn't stop their winning run. Australia comfortably chased down South Africa’s 271 runs in 45.2 overs for the loss of five wickets.
Bangladesh vs Australia
Australia finished their group stage fixtures with a 5-wicket victory. Australia struggled a bit to chase down Bangladesh’s 135 runs. They had to lose five wickets to reach the winning target.
Read ICC ODI Rankings 2022: Bangladesh Surpass Pakistan to Grab the Sixth Position
Australia vs West Indies (Semi-final)
After a dominating show in the group stage, Australia's women’s team were favourites against West Indies in the first semi-final match in Wellington. A good contest was expected from the fixture, but Australia were ruthless and completely outplayed the West Indies.
Batting first, Australia's women’s team made 305/3 and, in reply, the Caribbean women’s team were bowled out for only 148 runs. Australia clinched the match by 157 runs and secured a place in the final. The experienced Alyssa Healy made 129 runs and won the player of the match award.
Probable playing XI (final against England)
Top Order: Rachael Haynes, Alyssa Healy (Wicket-Keeper), Ashleigh Gardner, Middle-Orders: Meg Lanning (Captain), Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Annabel Sutherland, Darcie Brown, Lower-Order: Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Megan Schutt.
Read Top Performers of Bangladesh in the ICC Women's World Cup 2022
Women’s World Cup 2022: England’s Road to Final
England were one of the favourites, but they had a pretty rocky start to the tournament. The English women lost three consecutive matches before registering four straight victories in the group stage to earn a place in the semifinals. Besides, they overcame South Africa in the second semifinal to earn a place in the championship match. Here are the results of England's women’s team so far.
England vs Australia
England’s World Cup campaign started with a 12-run loss to Australia. England finished their innings on 298/8 in the chase of Australia’s 310 runs.
West Indies vs England
England were favourites against the Caribbean side, but they couldn't chase down the West Indies women’s 225 runs. England were bowled out for 218 and lost the match by 7 runs.
Read SA vs BAN Test Series 2022: Five Bangladeshi players with High Potency
England vs South Africa
In the group stage, South Africa were the second-most successful team after Australia. The South African side as a team played superb cricket in the group stage fixtures. England suffered a 3-wicket defeat to South Africa after failing to defend 235 runs.
India vs England
It was a crucial match for both sides in order to stay alive in the tournament. England eventually came out as the winner. England chased down India’s 134 for the loss of six wickets.
New Zealand vs England
England have gained momentum after defeating India in their fourth match of the group stage. England won their second match in a row after clinching the encounter against New Zealand. However, the English team had to battle hard to overcome the Kiwis, eventually winning by one wicket.
Read ICC Women’s World Cup: Bangladesh end campaign with heaviest defeat against England
Pakistan vs England
England registered a dominating 9-wicket victory over Pakistan. They chased down Pakistan’s 105 runs in 19.2 overs for the loss of one wicket.
England vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh were beaten by England by 100 runs in their final World Cup encounter. England scored 234/6 in 50 overs. Bangladesh were dismissed for 134 runs in 48 overs.
England vs South Africa (Semi-final)
The South African campaign was hopeful that they could beat the English side after some brilliant performances in the group stage. But South Africa’s performance in the second semi-final match against England were very lacklustre. England made 293/8 in their allotted 50 overs and successfully defended the total by bowling South Africa out for 156 runs. England went on to win the contest by 137 runs and seal a place in the Women’s World Cup 2022 final.
Read SA vs BAN Test Series 2022: Ten Expected Milestones for Bangladesh Players
Probable playing XI (final against Australia)
Top Order: Tammy Beaumont, Danni Wyatt, Heather Knight (captain), Middle-Orders: Nat Sciver, Amy Jones (Wicket-Keeper), Sophia Dunkley, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Lower-Order: Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Anya Shrubsole
Verdict
The Australian women’s team’s road to the final was pretty smooth in comparison to England’s women’s team. Australia have dominated the tournament with commanding performances, while England had to wait till the last group stage fixtures to confirm their participation in the final. However, no team is a favourite in the championship match. The team that executes their game plan properly has a greater chance of winning the ICC Women's World Cup trophy 2022. The final match of the 12th edition of the Women's World Cup will be staged at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on Sunday (April 3). The Australia vs England match will start at 7 a.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time).
Also Read: Bangladesh bowl first against South Africa in first Test