Southern Stars set for trans-Tasman T20

Australia face New Zealand in a women's World Twenty20 match that is likely to decide which side tops the pool.

Australia are ready for a pivotal women's World Twenty20 match against New Zealand, having drawn a line in the sand after their series loss to the same opposition.

The Southern Stars were beaten 2-1 in last month's T20 series against the White Ferns, who they face in Nagpur on Monday.

Skipper Meg Lanning overcame a bout of gastro to deliver her side a six-wicket win over South Africa in their World T20 opener.

But a more throughout examination awaits.

The trans-Tasman rivals are fully expected to progress to the World T20 semi-finals, with their clash likely to decide who tops the pool.

Coach Matthew Mott suggested complacency won't be an issue for Australia, with a few home truths delivered following the recent trip across the Tasman.

"And it came from the playing group more than than the coaches," Mott told AAP.

"When you're leading up to World Cups, sometimes the eyes are on the big prize.

"We made a commitment after that trip, that we don't look too far ahead and we're 100 per cent committed to the next game.

"We got a real lesson in that and every session since NZ, the lift in intensity has been really tangible."

Mott pointed to NZ as one of many sides that will make his team's tilt for fourth straight T20 title incredibly tough.

"The days of the Southern Stars being able to turn up, not be at their best and win games are over," he said.

"The playing field has become a lot more level.

"We're not scared of the favourites tag, because having success over the past few years absolutely puts that in people's minds.

"But we can't get ahead of ourselves. We'd love to beat the Kiwis, most importantly because it's another win in the group stage."

Lanning, who was so sick she couldn't complete the toss last Friday, rested on Saturday and team management is upbeat she will be fit enough to face NZ.

"These things tend to come and go a bit. Hopefully it won't be anything that lasts for too long," Mott said.

"With a bit of luck she'll be back training the day before the game.

"We've got to make sure the players are mentally freshened up. It's a short turnaround."

NZ cruised to a 93-run win over Ireland in their World T20 opener.

The trans-Tasman women's match starts at 9pm AEDT on Monday.


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Source: AAP



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