Australia and India building big women's cricket rivalry: Tendulkar

Cricketing great Sachin Tendulkar says the Australian and Indian women's team are establishing a "big rivalry" and hopes the two nations meet in next month's Twenty20 World Cup final at a heaving MCG.

Tendulkar, Test cricket's leading run-scorer, has watched closely how the women's game has grown in profile in recent years, with his home nation of India second behind Australia on the International Cricket Council's one-day international rankings and fourth in the Twenty20 rankings.

Sachin Tendulkar, centre left, at the Bushfire Cricket Bash legends match. Credit: Getty Images

Under batting star and captain Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indians have taken on greater prominence at home, inspiring young girls and emerging as a potential power just as the men's team has been for a long time.

"India women’s team has already had a huge impact. You see, even in 2017, I was watching the finals of the World Cup at Lord's and India did well," he said.

"There are young girls in India, who are picking up a cricket bat or a cricket ball, who are being motivated by these players."

The women's team will enjoy an even greater spotlight in the Twenty20 World Cup, particularly if it can improve on its three semi-final appearances - in 2009, 2010 and 2018.

Hopes of a breakthrough T20 title will begin against Australia in the tournament opener on February 21 at the Sydney Showgrounds. That the Indians defeated Australia at Melbourne's Junction Oval on Saturday, when led by openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, will ensure they have the confidence to topple the defending champions.

"Australia and India is becoming a big rivalry. Both teams have terrific youngsters who are talented, positive, fearless and responsible," Tendulkar said.

"These kind of players, when they go out they produce quality cricket and that's what we are here for and want to watch - quality, competitive cricket."

While the two nations have an eye on the showpiece event of the year, their immediate focus is prevailing in Wednesday's tri-series final at the Junction Oval. They each edged England for a spot in the play-off, another key step in fine-tuning their preparations.

India's Smriti Mandhana, left, runs between the wickets as Australian bowler Ellyse Perry, right, looks on. Credit: AAP

Cricket Australia hopes the MCG is at capacity for the T20 World Cup final on March 8, International Women's Day, when the aim is to break the record for attendance at a women's sporting fixture. The current record crowd of 90,185 was set at the 1999 FIFA women's World Cup final in Pasadena, California. The best chance to do this may be if Australia and India are alive.

"To have this World Cup here and played with the final at MCG, I'm looking forward to it and wishing the best to all the teams, especially India. I am sure it will produce entertaining cricket and be appreciated by everyone," Tendulkar said.

"[A full MCG] will be great and is something that I'm so eager to see. If we can do that on International Women's Day - not just women, but everyone can come across and support the two best teams - that will be terrific."