CAPE TOWN: Australia beat South Africa by 19 runs to win its sixth Women T20I World Cup title at Newlands in Cape Town on Sunday.
Australia won the toss and elected to bat, posting a par score of 156 for six with Beth Mooney striking a sublime unbeaten 74.
In reply, South Africa put up a spirited fight but after a slow start, struggled to cope with the class of Australia’s bowlers and totaled 137-6.
Laura Wolvaardt somewhat made up for her slow start with an entertaining 61 from 48 balls but her attacking intent came too late for the hosts.
South Africa needed 59 off 30 at one stage, with Woolvardt pumping a packed Newlands crowd with some of the most aesthetically pleasing shots. Then, much to their agony, she swiped across the line to a full delivery and was trapped lbw. South African hearts sank, a teary Woolvardt trudged off slowly, and boisterous applause gave way to stunned silence.
It is Australia’s third T20 title in a row, and the sixth time in seven editions they have won the tournament.
