Australia’s women’s cricket team, led by Meg Lanning, has secured their sixth T20 World Cup title in seven editions, defeating the hosts South Africa in the final by 19 runs. Beth Mooney was the standout performer for Australia, scoring an unbeaten 74 off just 53 balls, and putting pressure on South Africa, who were playing in their first-ever men’s or women’s World Cup final. Despite a slow start, Mooney’s quickfire 15-ball stand with Ellyse Perry took Australia to 156/6, with Shabnim Ismail taking two wickets in the final over.
Defending their total, Australia bowled with clinical efficiency and maintained control throughout the match. Laura Wolvaardt was the only South African batter to put up a fight, scoring 61 off 48 balls, but it was not enough to challenge Australia’s strong bowling attack. Ash Gardner was named Player of the Tournament, playing a vital role in the final with a momentum-shifting 29 off 21 balls.
Gardner, along with Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown, and Jess Jonassen, each took key wickets as Australia restricted South Africa to 137/6, securing their third consecutive T20 World Cup title. Gardner praised her team’s fighting spirit and determination, saying “we fought and we scrapped and we bowled the absolute house down.”
Mooney’s pivotal innings rescued Australia after a slow start, with Alyssa Healy scoring just 18 off 20 balls before being caught at cover off Marizanne Kapp. Gardner, promoted to Lanning’s usual number three slot, scored 46 runs off 41 balls, forming a crucial 46-run second-wicket partnership with Mooney.
Australia’s victory was a far cry from their previous T20 World Cup win three years ago, where they scored 184 runs. However, Mooney acknowledged after the match that “it was bloody tough” to score on the sticky wicket in Cape Town.
In conclusion, Australia’s women’s cricket team has once again proven themselves as champions, winning their 13th world title in white-ball cricket. Their impressive performance in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa showcased their determination, skill, and teamwork, making them a force to be reckoned with in the cricketing world.
