CAPE TOWN: Dominant Australia ceased South Africa’s dream run in the final as the defending champions outclassed Proteas women by 19 runs to lift the record sixth ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title.
Set to chase 157, South Africa struggled throughout their innings to meet the required run rate against a disciplined Australian bowling attack and were eventually restricted to 137/6.
Right-handed opener Laura Wolvaardt fought hard for her side with a gritty 48-ball 61 but saw her efforts going in vain as no other South African batter could make significant contributions in the final.
Besides Wolvaardt, Chloe Tryon remained the other notable run-getter for South Africa and was the only one hanging on before Jess Jonassen struck in the 18th over to get rid of her. Tryon could score 25 off 23 deliveries.
For Australia, Jonassen, Megan Schutt, Ashleigh Gardner and Darcie Brown picked up a wicket each.
Opting to bat first, Australia raised a respectable 156/6 at the back of a magnificent unbeaten knock by their opener, Beth Mooney.
The opening batter anchored Australia’s innings with a sensible 53-ball 74, hitting nine boundaries and a six, while a succession of partners batted aggressively.
All-rounder Gardner batted ahead of skipper Meg Lanning and justified her promotion in the batting order as she scored a brisk 29 off 21 and played a pivotal role in guiding Australia to a decent total.
Shabnim Ismail and Marizanne Kapp took two wickets each, while Tryon and Nonkululeko Mlaba struck out a batter each.
