Having staved off India comfortably by 8 wickets in their second last league match of the tournament, Australia are now guaranteed a semifinal berth. However, skipper Meg Lanning is not thinking about the knockout tie as yet
Australia are at the second spot in the points table right now and the focus, Lanning says, is on the last match against South Africa.
“We haven’t spoken much about the semis at all, to be honest,” Lanning said. “We’re going in to South Africa game to win and make sure we keep improving on our game, that’s what we’re going to focus on and whatever happens after that will happen.”
Australia, who are placed second in the points table, will need a big win against South Africa to push England down.
“It’s going to be a tough challenge no matter who it is you play or where you play. We’re looking forward to playing South Africa first, they’re a very dangerous side. We’ll look at them and go out there and try to win that game and we’ll worry about the rest later, Lanning said.
While Australia’s big win might help them secure the first place in the points table, they are also sure of moving up if England lose their last match against Windies, which seems unlikely on current form of both sides.
Australia, who fell short by three runs against England, brought their A game out against Mithali Raj-led India who will now face New Zealand in a virtual quarterfinal.
The Australian captain appeared content with the complete performance of her side. “I thought it was a pretty good overall performance. I thought all of our bowlers did a really good job from the start and were able to keep the pressure on India,” added Lanning.
With both South Africa and Australia already in the semifinal, the last league game provides the teams with an opportunity to test their mettle before the knockout round begins.
Australia, though, will be a little apprehensive trying out new combinations for a big win will make the next round a little smoother for them. As the format goes, the table toppers will face the fourth placed side in the semis in Bristol where Australia have played their four league games.
