INDIA

Tournaments: 6 Result in 2018: Semi-final Best finish: Semi-final (2009, ’10, ’18) ICC ranking: 4th

Form line: The Indian side’s international preparation has been a bit hit-and-miss leading into the tournament, with series defeats at the hands of England and New Zealand sharply contrasting with successful campaigns against the Proteas and the Windies. More importantly, the team has had a busy 12 months leading up to the tournament, and things seem to be coming together at the right time.

What past tournaments tell us: While India certainly hasn’t boasted the firepower of Australia or England, they’ve been consistently in the mix when it comes to the business end of the tournament – something that will pay dividends should that happen again. Coach WV Raman noted that, unlike past tourneys, the Indian batting order is now free of the inhibition of getting out, so expect more control than in past years.

Player to watch: Harmanpreet Kaur is a destructive force with the bat, and her exploits at the 2017 ODI World Cup – where she smashed an astonishing 171 not out – will be fresh in the memories of all opponents. With more than 100 T20I’s under her belt at just 30 years of age, she has the potential to own the tournament.

Expectations: Anything less than a semi-final berth will spell disappointment for the Indian team, who have begun to run like a well-oiled machine. With a good record in less humid conditions, the Aussie summer is unlikely to pose any problems for a squad that has been making fitness a top priority in recent times. If they can make the most of the chances that they will inevitably create, anything can happen.