The indomitable Australian side have claimed their third straight women’s T20 World Cup title, with an emphatic 19-run victory over hosts South Africa in Cape Town.
The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallists were ably led by Meg Lanning, who becomes the first captain to win five ICC trophies while also leading the team to claim the title for the sixth time in the last seven editions.
An unbeaten half-century from Beth Mooney, who was crowned Player of the Match, put significant pressure on the Proteas as the Australians, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, amassed 6-156.
Marizanne Kapp secured an early breakthrough for the hosts when Alyssa Healy was caught for 18, before Ash Gardner, elevated to No.3 for the final, joined Mooney on the field for a combined 103.
Gardner was then caught at long off for 29 during the 12th over, which saw Grace Harris to take to the field for a short 10 before being bowled by spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba.
Kapp returned in the 18th over, immediately removing Lanning for 10 while Mooney brought up her fifty in the same over, with the left-hander becoming the third cricketer to score multiple half-centuries in T20 World Cup finals.
Good morning to a five-time World Cup winning captain.
Meg ❤️ #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/1scUsCA6ka
— Australian Women’s Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) February 26, 2023
Ellyse Perry was also quick to fall, caught out by Tazmin Brits while Wareham was bowled out for a duck, before Tahlia McGrath joined Mooney in the crease to finish Australia’s batting order.
South Africa’s chase had its moments, notably with opener Laura Wolvaardt securing an impressive 61 off 48 balls, however it wasn’t enough to ensure the Proteas the win.
Megan Schutt ended Wolvaardt’s incredible run with the hosts failing to secure the runs needed to win, finishing at 6-137.
All-rounder Gardner, who was named as Player of the Tournament during the post-match presentation, noted the efforts of the team in securing the win.
“We’ve been longing for this moment since the last World Cup,” Gardner said.
“We’ve played some fantastic cricket throughout this tournament. We probably weren’t in winning positions throughout the game, but we scrapped, and we fought, and we bowled the absolute house down.”
“I’m just super proud of this group.”
Australia were pre-match favourites against the South African side who were playing in its first final, ensuring the coveted three-peat for the second time in Australia’s team history.
T20 World Cup champions for a SIXTH time!
Best team on the planet 🤟 pic.twitter.com/P2c3Y4YsrQ
— Australian Women’s Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) February 26, 2023
