Indian batters have got me covered, says Megan Schutt

mandhana and shefali verma

After putting up a gutsy performance in the second semi-final of the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Australia have made their way into the finals by beating South Africa by five runs in Sydney. The Australians chose to bat first and put up a modest total of 134 on the board in their 20 overs. The rain became a spoilsport and turned it to a 13-over game. The revised target for the Proteas was 98.

But some superlative bowling performances by two of Australia’s most-experienced campaigners, Megan Schutt and Delissa Kimmince, made sure that Australia gets a chance to defend their title in the finals against the Women in Blue.

After a scintillating semi-final, Megan Schutt was asked about the final with India and she replied by heaping a lot of praises for the Indian batting line-up. Speaking about the summit clash, the right-hand pacer revealed that she hates playing India because she feels that India is the only team that has figured out her bowling style. She further stated that the six that Shafali Verma struck in the recently-played tri-series was perhaps the biggest six she has ever been struck.

“I just hate playing India – they have got the wood over me. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma have me covered. That six Shafali hit me for in the tri-series was probably the biggest one I have ever been hit for,” Schutt said.

The former world number one also suggested that she is preparing specifically for the openers in the final game but she knows that she is “no match” for the opening pair of Mandhana and Verma. However, she did insist that the whole team will be going with a plan to tackle the explosive openers.

Ind vs Aus

The bowler is pretty excited for the finals and believes that playing against India is a fitting-end to this tournament. It will be a big challenge for them to defeat India but they are ready for it and will be looking to win their record fifth T20 World Cup title.

Schutt bowled an amazing spell in the game against South Africa. She bowled three overs and picked up two crucial wickets to take her team over the victory line. The seamer is tied with India’s Poonam Yadav as the highest wicket-taker in this year’s T20 World Cup. Both bowlers have 9-9 wickets each to their names.

The high-voltage final between Australia and India will be played on March 8 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.