New Delhi: Beth Mooney led Australia to a score of 156 in the finals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Picking up wickets in the middle and maintaining their line and lengths helped South African bowlers to save five to ten runs as their team looks for their first-ever ICC trophy. Mooney scored 74* off 53, but Shabnim Ismail’s last over restricted the mighty Aussies at 156/6.
Mooney and Healy began the powerplay with a boundary in each over, while the Proteas restricted them to six runs per over. Marizanne Kapp broke the opening stand, which was followed by a maiden over by Ismail, who is also the quickest bowler in the tournament.
It was Ashleigh Gardner, who tried to turn the game in Australia’s favour by smashing two consecutive sixes. Gardner, who has won matches for Australia with her all-round performances, played a significant cameo of 29 off 21.
Wickets in death were the key for South Africa which helped them to finish off well.
South Africa went beyond the time limit, which made them field with just three fielders outside the circle in the final over. Mooney also set the stage for a perfect finish with a six and a four, but Ismail picking two consecutive wickets turned things in the favour of the hosts.
Marizanne Kapp and Ismail picked two wickets each while Nonkululeko Mlaba and Chloe Tryon picked one each.
While the score looks chasable enough, in the end, it is all about holding the nerves better. Australia will depend on Megan Schutt and Ashleigh Gardner to win the cup. Openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits have been good throughout and will be crucial in the chase.
