Australia claim sixth Women's T20 World Cup title with 19-run victory over South Africa

02-26-2023
3 min read
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Australia have won their sixth ICC Women's T20 World Cup final, defeating host nation South Africa by 19 runs in the final on Sunday night (AEDT).

The reigning champions went into the tournament as overwhelming favourites and didn't break a sweat in the group stage, before getting over the line in a nail-biting affair against India in the semi-final.

South Africa caused a major upset by defeating England in their semi-final, but were unable to deliver a repeat performance against the star-studded Aussie lineup. 

A sublime display from Beth Mooney (74* off 53) helped Australia to a strong total of 5/156 from their 20 overs, before some tight bowling from the like of Ash Gardner (1/20 off 4) and Megan Schutt (1/23 off 4) restricted South Africa to 6/137 in reply.

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Gardner was awarded Player of the Tournament honours following the victory, while it was no surprise to see Mooney named as Player of the Match.

Australia have now won a total of 13 World Cups across both of the white-ball formats, cementing their dominance as the best side in the world. 

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley congratulated the playing group on their record achievement.

“Congratulations to captain Meg Lanning, coach Shelley Nitschke and the whole T20 World Cup squad on yet another outstanding accomplishment,” he said.

“The Australian Women’s Cricket Team continues to set amazing standards of performance and consistency and deserves to be recognised as one of the all-time greatest teams in world sport.

“It is not just their exceptional on-field results, but the way they represent themselves, their families and their country that makes this team inspirational role models to young girls and boys across Australia and around the world.

“There is no doubt that they are inspiring many to pick up a bat and ball hoping to emulate their heroes.”

"All the best to those players who are now taking part in the inaugural WPL. We are very proud that cricket offers the most lucrative and exciting opportunities of any team sport in Australia for female professional athletes."