Australia has won the Women’s T20 World Cup over South Africa, cementing their place as the world’s most dominant national cricket team.
Australia won the final against South Africa by 19 runs at Newlands, electing to bat first and scoring 6-156, to South Africa’s 6-137.
The win is Australia’s third consecutive T20 World Cup final victory. The team has now won 6 of the 8 women’s World Cups that have been played.
Beth Mooney led the path to victory, scoring 74 (not out) off 53 balls, becoming the first player to score half-centuries in consecutive T20 World Cup finals. Mooney was named player of the match.
“We felt like it was a good score but we had to bowl well,” Meg Lanning, Australia’s captian, said.
“We had to put pressure on South Africa. It was about enjoying the process and do what we were doing, about keeping things simple when the pressure is on. Thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Lanning also made history, having now led Australia to four T20 World Cup titles and one ODI World Cup title, more than any other cricket captain – men’s or women’s.
Australia’s dominance was such that South African captain Sune Luus jokingly said “you guys are very annoying”.
“You have been inspiring the world of cricket for a very long time and I know a lot of players look up to you,” Luus said after the match.
Ashleigh Gardner was named player of the tournament. It comes just weeks after she was auctioned for $558,000 during the inaugural Women’s Premier League auction, becoming one the highest paid female athletes in Australia.