"India Are Front-Runners Because...": Five-Time Women's T20 World Cup Winner Gives Key Reason

Five-time winner Jess Jonassen knows what it takes to lift the Women's T20 World Cup, and the veteran Australian spinner rated India as the front-runner at the upcoming edition of tournament to be played on spin-friendly, low and slow UAE pitches. The 31-year-old left-arm spinner played a key part Australia's title triumphs in 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020 and 2023, and feels with little knowledge of the conditions, it will be challenging for Australia to defend the title but it will be a mistake to underestimate her country.

"India are well and truly the front-runner because of the depth and versatility that they have. They have better knowledge of UAE conditions. We have never played there, but Australia know how to play in big tournaments and can't be underestimated," Jonassen told a select group of journalists during the ABC International Development's five-day cricket commentary and mojo program at Australian High Commission here.

"We have played in different sub-continent pitches and conditions, but have little knowledge about UAE conditions, so it be challenging.

"We've been under another illusion that the pool that we are in is not one of the toughest. But I don't think there's going to be a single easy game," she added. Australia have been the most successful team in the Women's T20 World Cup, having won the title six out of eight times.

The ninth edition of the tournament will be held in two venues of UAE -- Sharjah and Dubai -- from October 3 to 20.

Jonassen, who missed out on a place in Australia's T20 World Cup squad for this edition, also feels England and Sri Lanka are the other two sides besides her country and India which are favourites to make the top-four.

"In terms of top four teams, I have to say my own