AUS vs SA HIGHLIGHTS Final Women’s T20 World Cup: Australia wins sixth title, beats South Africa by 19 runs

We have been longing for this moment since the last World Cup. We weren’t in winning positions in parts, but we scrapped and got through. Probably the semifinal performance was the best of this tournament for me. I have bowled quite a bit even in the Big Bash. Thankfully it (form) has come into international cricket as well. Proud is probably an understatement for the impact we have had globally as a team.

Incredible being in South Africa and playing in front of a crowd like this one was special. I was not calm and the crowd was impressive. I walked off thinking we hadn’t gotten on the board. Never judge a wicket till both the teams had batted and we did well. I was disappointed with my output in the first couple of games. The belief of the support staff helped me turn it around.

It’s been an incredible tournament to be part of. I live down the road, terrific experience. Tough day. To see the crowd come out was special. Australia is tough to beat. They put up a score and defended it well. We didn’t get off to a good start. There were a couple of no-ball free hits and a lot of cheers. Never experienced something like this. I can do this everyday, it has been a very cool experience. It’s been amazing as a group, had a good tournament after how we started.

Definitely won’t be able to wipe the smile off my face. I thought 156 would be challenging, considering the close semifinals. Getting a win over South Africa at a packed Newlands who were not cheering for us. I was excited to get the promotion. It was the most fun I have looked forward to with the bat.

Amazing game. Huge thank you to the crowd for the atmosphere. I know it didn’t go well for them. But was good to be a part of this. It was up and down in our bowling innings. Wolvaardt batted exceptionally well and her partnership with Chloe put them in it. It was tense till we broke that partnership.

You can’t go into a final not thinking you are going to lift the trophy. South Africa took it to the end and the crowd was crazy. Once I was out of the XI I focused on helping the players stay hydrated. Have my parents and partner in the crowd. Lucky to have been here.

Jafta pulls the first ball down to fine leg for a single. A couple of singles to follow. The dream ends for the hosts as de Klerk only manages two runs off the fourth. Jafta slaps the ball to deep mid-wicket for a single and Australia completes a hat-trick of T20 World Cups, beating South Africa by 19 runs as Newlands slips to silence.

Schutt offers length and Jafta slaps the ball over cover for FOUR. A couple of singles to follow but that would not be enough for South Africa. Eight runs from the over and South Africa needs 27 runs in six balls.

Short from Jonassen and de Klerk pulls it down to deep mid-wicket, just short of Perry for a single. Jonassen wafts one in and Tryon tonks the ball over deep mid-wicket for SIX! Jonassen to Tryon, OUT! Cleans her up. Gets the ball to land on length and gently move into hit the leg-stump. The ball keeps a tad low to escape Tryon’s pads. She is dejected and weeps as she trudges back. Anneke Bosch in at 7. Bosch slog sweeps to deep mid-wicket and sets for a single. Is there a two there? OUT! Bosch is run out while attempting a second run and the Proteas chase is falling apart quickly now.

Chloe Tryon b Jonassen 25 (23b 2x4 1x6); Anneke Bosch run out (Perry/†Healy) 1 (2b)

Tryon shows all three stumps to Schutt and clears her front leg further to pump the bowler for a FOUR down the ground. Schutt to Wolvaardt, OUT! Plumb in front! Full ball tailing in and Wolvaardt plays all around it while attempting to sweep. This could be a massive moment in the game as Wolvaardt reviews. THRRE REDS and there’s a massive blow for South Africa! Nadine de Klerk in at 6. Slower leg-cutter from Schutt and it beats the batter and Healy to trickle away for FOUR byes.

Laura Wolvaardt lbw b Schutt 61 (48b 5x4 3x6)

100 up for South Africa in 15.2 overs - needs 57 runs in 28 balls now. Gardner pins down Tryon with the spinning short deliveries. A bit of room and Tryon drags the ball to square-leg for a single. Six from the over.

Wolvaardt brings up another FIFTY as she crunches Brown through cover for FOUR. High-class innings from the Proteas opener! A single to follow. Tryon drags the ball to wide long-on for another single. Brown overpitches and Wolvaardt simply chips the ball over the bowler for another FOUR!

Wareham stays to the pad and Tryon sweeps it behind square for a single. Another sweep for a single. Wareham wafts one in and Tryon drags the ball through wide long-on for FOUR. In the slot and Wolvaardt steps out and lofts the ball for SIX down the ground. WIDE to follow.

McGrath oversteps and Wolvaardt has a chance to find that rare boundary. Length ball and Wolvaardt swats it to Perry at the long-on fence. She catches and parries the ball back into play to save two runs. Two more to the total as Wolvaadt flicks through mid-wicket and it’s another free hit! BANG! Wolvaardt picks the bones out of it as she clobbers the ball off length to the mid-wicket stands for SIX.

Tryon guides the ball through cover and finds two runs. Ones and twos just won’t do it for the Proteas from this stage. Just the four runs from the over.

105 required in 10 overs! Tahlia McGrath into the attack. Short ball, Luus cuts it over point for a single. McGrath strays to the pads and Wolvaardt flicks it fine for another run. McGrath to Luus, OUT! Mix-up, mix-up and gone! Luus drives the ball to mid-off and sets off for a quick single. Wolvaardt sees no single and Luus sacrifices her wicket by crossing over. Easy run out for Healy as Chloe Tryon walks in.

Sune Luus run out (Mooney/†Healy) 2 (5b)

Short from Wareham and Wolvaart pulls it behind square for FOUR - 50 up for South Africa. The required rate climbs above to 10.5.

Kapp and Wolvaardt resort to singles as Gardner maintains a tight line of attack. Gardner to Kapp, OUT! Holes out to short third! A nothing short from Kapp as she top-edges while attempting to sweep. Sune Luus in at 4.

Marizanne Kapp c Brown b Gardner 11 (11b 2x4)

Jess Jonassen replaces Schutt. Wolvaardt waits for the loopy delivery and shimmies down the track to loft the ball over long-off for SIX! Wolvaardt dabs the next ball to deep cover for a single.

Brown overpitches and Wolvaardt swipes the ball down the ground for FOUR. Fraction of room and Wolvaardt cuts to deep backward point for a single. CRUNCHED! Kapp smites the ball through extra cover for a blistering FOUR.

Leg-cutter from Schutt and Kapp leans into a powerful drive through cover for FOUR. South Africa finishes the PowerPlay at 22/1, 14 behind where Australia was at this point.

Low full toss from Brown and Brits flicks a ball down to deep mid-wicket. A fumble from Perry hands an extra run. Short and Brits pulls it away for a single. Wolvaardt hands the strike back with another run. Brown to Brits, OUT! Holes out to mid-on. Brits succumbs to the pressure as she sheepishly miscues a slog to McGrath. South Africa has played itself into trouble in the PowerPlay. Marizanne Kapp in at 3.

Tazmin Brits c McGrath b Brown 10 (17b 1x4)

Ellyse Perry into the attack. Short ball and Brits pulls the ball to mid-wicket. Similar line, same result. Two dots to mount the pressure on Brits. Brits is not getting her time right as she drags a couple of more deliveries to the on-side field. Full ball outside the off-stump and Brits gets a lucky inside-edge. Misfield from Grace Harris at short fine-leg concedes FOUR runs.

Darcie Brown replaces Schutt. Brown goes full and straight. Wolvaardt drives it past te bowler for a single. Beaten! A sharp line of attack squares up Brits as the ball whiffs past the blade to the keeper. Just the two runs.

Ash Gardner into the attack. Fine line of attack from Gardner as Brits attempts to make room. Brits steps out and lofts the ball to long-on for a single. Gardner darts one in to clip Wolvaardt’s pad as she misses a pull off the backfoot. Seems like missing leg but Australia reviews. Close as Wolvaardt survives with an umpire’s call on wickets.

Wolvaardt on strike to Schutt. Healy stands up to the stumps as Schutt sends a delivery in sharply to Wolvaardt who drives it to mid-on. Slightly straighter this time and Wolvaardt pushes the ball to cover. Four dots as Schutt sends in an off-cutter that hits Wolvaardt on the pads. Fuller delivery and Wolvaardt lifts the ball over the bowler. Misfield from the mid-on fielder concedes FOUR runs.

South Africa openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits walk out to the middle for the 157-run chase. Megan Schutt takes the new ball.

Most wickets in T20WC:

43 - Shabnim Ismail

41 - Anya Shrubsole

40 - Ellyse Perry

South Africa’s slow over-rate means only three fielders will be outside the circle. Ismail up with the ball. In the slot and Mooney pumps the ball over long-on for SIX - 150 UP FOR AUSTRALIA! Ismail comes around the wicket and offers a slower ball. Mooney waits for it and lifts it down the ground for FOUR. DROPPED! Mooney cuts a length the ball and a diving Wolvaardt fails to latch onto the ball at backward point. Ismail to Perry, OUT! Off-cutter on the full and Perry miscues it straight to mid-on. Georgia Wareham in at 7. Ismail to Wareham, OUT! Uproots the off-stump. Ismail fires one in on the money and is now on a hat-trick. Tahlia McGrath gets a single off the last ball and Australia sets a 157-run target for Australia.

Ellyse Perry c Brits b Ismail 7 (5b 1x4)

Khaka attempts to play with the change of pace. Khaka restricts the big swings from the batters, just the singles at the moment. Mooney dabs to point and sets off on a quick run. Sharp throw from Bosch hits the stumps at the striker’s end and the ricochet helps Australia gain an extra run. Mooney keeps strike with a single.

Kapp to bowl out. Kapp to Lanning, OUT! A sensational grab from Chloe Tryon at deep square leg! Length ball, meant to be hit. Lanning drags it across the line and Tryon holds onto a sensational catch while running towards her left. Huge moment in the game for South Africa. Ellyse Perry in at 6. Short ball and Perry slaps the first ball over point for FOUR. A single to follow. Slower ball and Mooney carves it over extra cover for FOUR - FIFTY for Mooney, the first batter to score fifties in two finals!

Meg Lanning c Tryon b Kapp 10 (11b 1x4)

Khaka tails one in and Mooney flicks the ball just short of deep square-leg for a single. Khaka hits Lanning’s pad this time and concedes a leg bye. Mooney with another flick to deep square for a single. Lanning attempts to make room as Khaka darts one in on the full. A dab to cover, no run. Slower ball and Mooney plays around it while attempting a ramp shot.

Ismail starts with a fuller delivery and Lanning flicks it for a single. Ismail comes around the wicket. Mooney attempt a ramp as the ball whizzes past the off-stump. Short ball outside the off-stump. Mooney leaps to cut the ball over the off-side ring for FOUR.

Mlaba to Harris, OUT! Bowled! Mlaba gets Newlands back on its feet as she floats one in. The ball hits length and keeps low as Harris steps out to heave across the line. Huge wicket for South Africa. Captain Meg Lanning walks in at 5. She’s off the mark with a beautiful cut off the backfoot past point for FOUR.

Grace Harris b Mlaba 10 (9b 1x4)

Tryon finds the leading-edge off Harris but it falls in between the bowler and cover. Mooney reverse-sweeps off length to beat point and find three runs. Tryon wafts one in and Harris dances down to flick through wide long-on for FOUR - 100 up for Australia.

de Klerk feeds length and Mooney attempts a reverse-ramp to find FOUR. Another length ball and Mooney attempts to slog over extra cover for FOUR.

Chloe Tryon into the attack. Mooney advances and lofts the ball over cover to find two runs. A single to follow as Mooney flicks across the line. Tryon to Gardner, OUT! A superb catch from Luus running in from long-off. Tryon slower through the air induces a mistimed hit from Gardner. Not enough power to clear the field and Proteas have a big breakthrough. Interestingly, Grace Harris walks in at 4.

Ashleigh Gardner c Luus b Tryon 29 (21b 2x4 2x6)

Kapp returns. Kapp hits the length and Gardner drags it to square leg for one run. Kapp comes around the wicket and concedes a wide. A quiet over nevertheless as Kapp uses her variations to deny boundaries.

The boundaries are flowing at the moment. Khaka overpitches and Mooney makes room to drive through cover for FOUR. Khaka varies her pace and sends in a couple of yorkers to mark a strong comeback.

de Klerk continues to rely on her slower deliveries. Mooney struggles to get her time right but gets off strike with a single. Slower ball on length and Gardner slaps one straight to Mooney’s pads. Slower ball on the full and Gardner advances to smoke the ball down the ground for SIX! de Klerk offers length and Gardner unleashes a superb lofted stroke over extra cover for another SIX!

Mlaba replaces Ismail. Loopy delivery on the middle stump and Gardner lofts it down the ground for a single. Mooney gets an inside-edge as she attempts to drag a length ball across the line, another single. Low full toss onto the pad and Gardner flicks the all to deep mid-wicket for one run. Mlaba drags one short and Gardner pulls the ball through mid-wicket for FOUR - first boundary in 21 balls. FOUR more! Mlaba offers room and Gardner crunches the ball through extra cover to bring up FIFTY for Australia.

Nadine de Klerk into the attack. Full and angling in from de Klerk, Gardner flicks the ball in front of square and finds two runs. IN THE AIR! Gardner mishits a cutter just past mid-on for a single. Streaky times for Australia’s batters. Short ball and Gardner heaves it across for a single.

Ismail returns. Excellent stump-to-stump bowling from Ismail as she pins down with four consecutive dots. Length ball angling in, forcing Mooney to make room to play towards the packed off-side ring. A maiden over to finish the PowerPlay!

Slower ball on length and Healy lofts the ball over mid-on for FOUR. Kapp oversteps and concedes a free hit. Slower ball outside the off-stump. Mooney shuffles across and pumps the ball over mid-on for FOUR this time. A single as Mooney dabs to point. Kapp follows up with an excellent slower bouncer to beat Healy. Kapp to Healy, OUT! Bounces her out this time. Rising delivery and Healy still moves forward to slash. The ball hits high onto the bat and lobs straight to de Klerk at extra cover. Ash Gardner walks in.

Alyssa Healy c de Klerk b Kapp 18 (20b 3x4)

Ayabonga Khaka replaces Ismail. Length ball angling in an Healy flicks it to mid-on for a single. Slower ball off the length and the Khaka squares up Mooney as she steps out of the crease. A single to follow. Healy attempts to break free with a charge but drags the ball to deep mid-wicket for another run. Poor delivery down leg and Mooney flicks the ball past short fine-leg for FOUR.

Marizanne Kapp replaces Mlaba. Kapp starts with a wide down leg. Healy flicks th next ball for one run. Mooney lofts a ball dangerously and it just falls short of point. BEATEN! Kapp setting up Mooney with an outswinger and a packed off-side field. Kappoverpitches this time and Mooney frantically puts it up past point for FOUR this time.

Shabnim Ismail into the attack. She starts with a yorker to Healy, dot ball. Short and wide and Healy slaps the ball over point for FOUR. Short ball and Healy drags it down to fine leg for a single. A couple of singles to follow. Ismail loops one in and the ball hits the pads as it slides down leg. SA reviews and loses it as the ball misses the leg-stump.

Healy on strike against Mlaba. Full on middle and Healy is up with a solid block. Mlaba floats one in and Healy sweeps the ball through square for FOUR. Shorter length from Mlaba, Healy moves to the backfoot and dabs to cover. A hint of turn as Mlaba flights one into middle-and-leg.

Australia openers Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney walk out to the middle as Sune Luus’ side takes the field. Nonkululeko Mlaba takes the new ball.

Meg Lanning and Sune Luus lead their respective teams out to a packed Newlands Stadium for the national anthems.

Australia captain Meg Lanning becomes the first captain to lead in 100 Twenty20 Internationals. Lanning’s win percentage of 80.31 is also the best among all women (min. 35 matches).

South Africa XI: Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus(c), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Anneke Bosch, Sinalo Jafta(w), Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba

Australia XI: Alyssa Healy(w), Beth Mooney, Meg Lanning(c), Ashleigh Gardner, Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris, Georgia Wareham, Jess Jonassen, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown

TOSS: Australia wins toss, opts to bat.

Meg Lanning: Going to have a bat. It’s a good wicket, will stay the same throughout the day. Going with the same team. Feel that we got all the bases covered. It’s not something I’ve given a lot of thought (Australia’s record). Leading the team into another final is super exciting. It’s what happens today is important. Need to be ready for the challenge, and I have no doubt we are.

Meg Lanning and Sune Luus walk out to the centre for the toss.

Two contrasting journeys to the World Cup final. The host is the underdog but Sune Luus’ side is not short of pulling off a surprise against Meg Lanning’s invincible squad.

Wicketkeepers: Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney

Batters: Laura Wolvaardt, Meg Lanning (vc), Tahlia McGrath, Tazmin Brits

All-rounders: Ellyse Perry, Marizanne Kapp, Ashleigh Gardner (c), Nadine de Klerk

Bowlers: Shabnim Ismail

Team Composition: AUS 6:5 SA Credits Left: 3.5

• 9 - Megan Schutt
• 9 - Ash Gardner
• 6 - Darcie Brown

• 171 - Alyssa Healy
• 139 - Meg Lanning
• 132 - Beth Mooney

• 7 - Marizanne Kapp
  
• 7 - Ayabonga Khaka
• 6 - Shabnim Ismail
• 5 - Nonkululeko Mlaba

• 176 - Tazmin Brits
• 169 - Laura Wolvaardt

• Australia Women: Alyssa Healy (wk), Beth Mooney, Meg Lanning (c), Ashleigh Gardner, Grace Harris, Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath, Georgia Wareham, Jess Jonassen, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown
• South Africa Women: Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus (c), Chloe Tryon, Anneke Bosch, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba

• Feb 10 - Sri Lanka 129/4 (20) v South Africa 126/9 (20) - SL won by three runs
• Feb 13 - South Africa 132/6 (20) v New Zealand 67 (18.1) - SA won by 65 runs
• Feb 18 - South Africa 124/6 (20) v Australia 125/4 (16.3) - AUS won by six wickets
• Feb 21 - Bangladesh 113/6 (20) v South Africa 117/0 (17.5) - SA won by 10 wickets
• Feb 24 - South Africa v England - SA won by six runs

• Feb 11: Australia 173/9 (20) vs New Zealand 76 (14): Australia won by 97 runs.
• Feb 14: Australia 111/2 (18.2) vs Bangladesh 107/7 (20): Australia won by eight wickets.
• Feb 16: Australia 113/0 (15.5) vs Sri Lanka 112/8 (20): Australia won by 10 wickets.
• Feb 18: Australia 125/4 (16.3) vs South Africa 124/6 (20): Australia won by six wickets.
• Feb 23: Australia 172/4 (20) vs India 167/8 (20): Australia won by five runs.

Luus hopes pacers can subdue Australia

Whatever the result in Sunday’s Women’s T20 World Cup final against powerhouse Australia, South Africa captain Sune Luus says the team already feel like winner having become the first side from the country to reach a global final.

South Africa will be outright underdog against the five-time champion, despite having a strong bowling lineup and the homeground advantage at what is likely to be a sold-out Newlands in Cape Town.

But having stunned England in a tense semifinal on Friday, Luus believes they laid down a marker for women’s cricket in the country from which they can grow.

“We are achieving our goals, we wanted to inspire a nation and put women’s cricket on the map, to get young boys and girls to pick up a bat and ball. Hopefully tomorrow is just another step in that,” Luus told reporters on Saturday.

“We never thought people in our country would stand in long queues to buy tickets for a women’s cricket match. It is something special. I hope once this World Cup is finished, that will stay the same.

“There are a lot of good things to come out of this tournament. If people don’t take women’s cricket seriously by now, then there is no hope.”

South Africa had been to five previous World Cup semifinals across all formats without success, but now stand on the brink of a career-defining moment for what is largely a young group of players.

Luus said that in the final staying focused and not letting the occasion get to them would be crucial.

“We have always known we have the ability to be in the final, it was just to break the semi-final curse,” she says.

“For us it is to stay calm and focus on what we do best. We need to trust our skills and abilities.”

South Africa has lost all six previous T20 meetings with Australia, including a six-wicket defeat in the pool stages of this competition when it clashed in Gqeberha.

“We were 20-30 runs short in that game,” Luus says. “Australia bat extremely deep. Whether we bat or bowl first, we have to put up a big fight, we have to take it as deep as possible.

“Our pace attack is one of our strongest (attributes). Australia know what’s coming. It will be an even contest between one of the best batting lineups in the world and one of the best bowling attacks.”

Lanning wants Australia to stick to the basics

Australia survived a nervy semi-final against India when Lanning admits it was not at its best, and a fired-up South Africa, playing its first-ever final, will be keen to exploit any drop in performance.

“There is pressure on everyone, it is a World Cup final, there are no guarantees,” Lanning told reporters on Saturday.

“It is about what happens on the day. South Africa have been playing some good cricket. If you get to a World Cup final you have beaten some good teams.

“We are expecting them to come out and play to their full strength and they are riding a wave of emotion as well. We are prepared for that. It is about executing as best you can.

“It is going to be an incredible atmosphere and a great game at an amazing venue, one of the best I have ever been to. So we are pumped, we can’t wait to get out there and play.”

With a number of South African players having featured in the Women’s Big Bash League in Australia, there will be little mystery between the two sides.

“We have played some really close games over the years and come out on top, but we have been pushed a long way,” Lanning says. “We are expecting a tight contest, we know them really well, as they do us.

“We have played alongside some of their players in the various (global T20) competitions. There is nowhere to hide, everybody knows what’s coming - it is just about holding your nerve under the pressure of a World Cup final.

“There will be moments when South Africa will be on top and will have the crowd behind them. We accept that it will happen, but when we get the chance to put our footprint on the game, we have to make sure we do that.”

Australia has won the last two World Cup finals. Its only defeat in the decider came against the West Indies in Kolkata in 2016.

- REUTERS

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When is Australia vs South Africa Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 final match?

The Australia vs South Africa Women’s T20 World Cup final will be played on Sunday, February 26.

Where is Australia vs South Africa Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 final match happening?

The Australia vs South Africa Women’s T20 World Cup final will be played at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town.

How and where to watch the live streaming of the Australia vs South Africa Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 final?

The Australia vs South Africa Women’s T20 World Cup final will be streamed live on the Disney+ Hotstar app.

Which channel will telecast Australia vs South Africa Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 final?

The Australia vs South Africa Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 final will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network in India.

What time will the Australia vs South Africa Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 final will begin?

The Australia vs South Africa Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 final will start at 6:30 pm IST, on February 24.

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