“India is favored in the Women’s T20 World Cup, according to a five-time champion.”

Five-time Women’s T20 World Cup winner Jess Jonassen has identified India, Australia, England, and Sri Lanka as the top four favorites for the upcoming tournament. The veteran Australian spinner, who has played a key role in her country’s multiple title victories, believes India stands out as the front-runner due to their depth and familiarity with the spin-friendly pitches of the UAE.

Jonassen highlighted that India has a significant advantage in terms of understanding the local conditions, while Australia, despite their experience in big tournaments, faces challenges since they have never played in the UAE. “India are well and truly the front-runners because of their depth and versatility. They have a better knowledge of the UAE conditions,” she said, adding that it would be a mistake to underestimate Australia, known for their strong performances in major tournaments.

The ninth edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup will take place in Sharjah and Dubai from October 3 to 20. Australia has won the tournament six times out of eight, making them the most successful team in its history. Jonassen noted that while she believes her country is among the top contenders, the group they are in may not be as easy as some might think.

Despite missing out on a place in Australia’s squad for this World Cup, Jonassen is proud of her previous performances in various competitions, including the WPL and The Hundred. “I’m obviously disappointed to have missed out, but I know I did everything I could to gain selection,” she remarked.

In terms of the remaining favorites, Jonassen placed England and Sri Lanka alongside Australia and India. She pointed out that England is always a strong contender, especially with their experienced players like Sophie Ecclestone and Nat Sciver-Brunt. Jonassen emphasized England’s preparation, noting their pre-season camp in the UAE, which should help them acclimatize to the conditions.

As for Sri Lanka, she praised them for their recent successes, including winning the Asia Cup, and noted they have been performing well against strong teams. Jonassen expressed her belief that the T20 format often favors teams that excel in spin, and the performance in these conditions will ultimately determine success.

While former captain Mithali Raj recently suggested India might lack a bowler, Jonassen disagrees, highlighting the versatility within the squad. With the tournament approaching, the stage is set for an exciting competition among the top teams.