In a game that nearly didn’t happen due to wet weather, the Australian team pulled off a nail-biting semi-final victory and secured their place in the World Cup final. The final is due to take place this Sunday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, on International Women’s Day.
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Simple, see you Sunday!👇🏽 #FillTheMCG pic.twitter.com/3LSvLoFkr4— Mel Jones (@meljones_33) March 5, 2020
Captain Meg Lanning delivered in spades for the Australians, setting the game up with an unbeaten 49 runs and taking two crucial catches in the field.
Openers Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney both started the game strongly, hitting eight boundaries as a duo. Australian ended their 20-over innings with a score of 5-134.
All hail Queen Meg.
Our captain is the player of the match for her unbeaten 49, and two crucial catches.
WHAT. A. WOMAN. pic.twitter.com/x93a26crsB
— Australian Women’s Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) March 5, 2020
With a rain delay between innings, and a deadline of 9.49pm, the pressure was on both teams as the rain cleared just in time, and Australia took to the field to bowl.
The home team were tasked with defending a reduced target of 98 from 13 overs. Australia just managed to control the South Africans with a bout of excellent bowling. Megan Schutt (2-17) and Delissa Kimmince (1-16) were standouts in wet conditions.
AUSSIES WIN! WE’RE GOING TO THE WORLD CUP FINAL!! 💚💛
Scorecard: https://t.co/79nHf0voFl #CmonAussie pic.twitter.com/6fvWLXiKVm
— Australian Women’s Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) March 5, 2020
“Pretty relieved … it was a tough game,” Lanning said afterwards. “It wasn’t an easy day. There was a lot of waiting around and hoping that the weather was going to hold off.”
“We got a bit lucky I guess but we’ve really built through the tournament and had a lot thrown at us. To be able to come together in a very big moment is special. We’ll enjoy the win knowing there is something massive coming up in the next few days.”
“I’m pretty happy March 8 has come around. I’ve been to the MCG when there is 100,000 fans and the atmosphere is absolutely incredible. To think we’ll be out in the middle experiencing that is going to be really exciting.”
Australia will play India in the T20 World Cup final, this Sunday at the MCG, 6pm AEDT.