The seasoned Mithali Raj has declared Australia as favourites to win Friday’s Women’s T20 World Cup opener against India in what she expects to be a high-scoring and “very close” game.

“I do think Australia have the advantage because of their T20 record and have a slightly better chance of winning the first game against India,” she added.

Female stars emerging as role models has been the “biggest change” in women’s cricket’s journey from near-anonymity to stardom, feels Mithali, who grew up idolising her male counterparts.

When Mithali started out in 1999, women’s cricket was almost an unknown entity, a far cry from what it is on the eve of the T20 World Cup in Australia where the opening contest between India and the hosts is expected to witness sellout crowds.

“Australia go in as favourites, but India will be no pushover. They have some very talented players and I think it will be a very close, high-scoring game,” Mithali wrote in a column for ICC.

“Both teams have exciting players, particular in the batting units, and it will be a case of whoever can score the runs that their country need on the day.

The seasoned Mithali Raj has declared Australia as favourites to win Friday’s Women’s T20 World Cup opener against India in what she expects to be a high-scoring and “very close” game.”Australia go in as favourites, but India will be no pushover. They have some very talented players and I think it will be a very close, high-scoring game,” Mithali wrote in a column for ICC.

“Both teams have exciting players, particular in the batting units, and it will be a case of whoever can score the runs that their country need on the day.

“I do think Australia have the advantage because of their T20 record and have a slightly better chance of winning the first game against India,” she added.Female stars emerging as role models has been the “biggest change” in women’s cricket’s journey from near-anonymity to stardom, feels Mithali, who grew up idolising her male counterparts.

When Mithali started out in 1999, women’s cricket was almost an unknown entity, a far cry from what it is on the eve of the T20 World Cup in Australia where the opening contest between India and the hosts is expected to witness sellout crowds.