Shweta Haranhalli picks 10 players to watch out for in today's Australia vs West Indies Women's World Cup final at Brabourne
Australia
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Meg Lanning: The young batting sensation has been a revelation. The hard-hitting batter, often compared to Adam Gilchrist, holds the record for the fastest fifty (in 23 balls) and fastest hundred (in 45 balls). Going by her standards, she had a slow start to the World Cup which includes a knock of 112 in the group stages.
Ellyse Perry: Perry , who spearheads the Aussie bowling attack, has featured in the World Cups of two sports — cricket and football. She has also made some useful contributions with the bat, like the unbeaten 35 against South Africa. She will be itching to step on the field and go for her third World Cup after being out of the Super Six phase due to an ankle injury.
Lisa Sthalekar: Indian-born Lisa Sthalekar moved to Australia at the age of four. Her performances saw her being named one of the best all rounders in cricket. She is the first woman to score 1000 runs and take 100 wickets in ODIs. In the Super Six match against England, she scored a brilliant 41 to help her team.
Jodie Fields: The Australian captain has come a long way since becoming the first Queensland woman to lead Australia. It has been a roller coaster ride for her — out with a career-threatening injury which also saw her opting out of the World T20 in 2010. Fields has been exceptional with her glovework and captaincy.
Alex Blackwell: Alex Blackwell made her international debut in 2002 but lack of form saw her out of the team before cementing her place in 2006.
The World Cup hasn’t seen the best of Blackwell. She would also be hoping to come good with the bat to guide Australia to their sixth title.
West Indies
Stafanie Taylor: Stafanie Taylor , ranked No 1 in the ICC women’s batting rankings, can destroy any bowling attack on her day. She is the second highest run scorer in this World Cup with 309 runs. This tournament has probably seen her best, including the mammoth 171 against Sri Lanka.
Deandra Dottin: The hard-hitting batter holds a record for the first ever T20 century. The World Cup hasn’t seen many heroics from Dottin, but she has still managed to score 204 runs and pick up nine wickets. She scored a match-winning 60 against the Aussies.
Merissa Aguilleira: The West Indies captain has had a tough time in this World Cup with the bat, but her glovework has been exceptional. Unlike her counterpart Jodie Fields, Aguilleira is outspoken and lively on the field. The way she has handled this young team in this tournament deserves appreciation.
Anisa Mohammed: The Aussies will have to tackle the spin of Anisa Mohammed well. Mohammed, West Indies’ highest wicket-taker in ODIs, has struggled a bit in this World Cup, but her performance in the crucial New Zealand match earned her the woman of the match award. Her experience will be vital for the Windies’ bid for their first World Cup.
Tremayne Smartt: The young bowler has been in terrific form in this tournament. She was instrumental in wrecking the New Zealand top order recently. Her ability to swing the ball both ways will be very handy considering it is a day-night final. Smartt will need to fire upfront with some early wickets.u00a0
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