Australia have won the ICC Women’s World T20, easily beating their opponents England.
Meg Lanning. Photo: Photosport
This is the fourth time the Australian women have won the competition in the nine years it has been played. Set a very chaseable 106 to win, they cruised to victory in just over 15 overs to beat a subdued England side.
Australian captain Meg Lanning led from the front with a calm 28 not out, supported by player of the match Ashleigh Gardner, whose late six-hitting hitting display made sure the result was in no doubt.
Not that it ever was, despite a shambolic fielding display from the Australians. Asked to bowl first by England captain Heather Knight, the clearly nervous team dropped several catches, missed two run outs and a stumping.
But they also bowled steadily and intelligently, to make scoring very hard for the English batters. On a low, slow pitch and in damp conditions, offspinner Ashleigh Gardner took three English wickets, pace bowler Megan Schutt took two as did young legbreak bowler Georgia Wareham. Wareham also was the one highlight of the fielding effort, with her stunning throw to run out England’s Amy Jones.
England needed to take quick wickets when it was their turn to bowl but couldn’t create enough chances. Left arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone troubled the Australian batters early on but by the 11th over, it was clear which way the game would go. England appeared to give up and Australia knocked off the total with almost five overs to spare.
Minister for Sport and Recreation Grant Robertson. Photo: Photosport
Minister for Sports Grant Robertson and comedian and podcaster James Nokise joined hosts Zoe George and Justin Gregory to give their analysis of the game and the tournament. The team also looked forward to New Zealand hosting the T20 World Cup in 2021, and discussed the ongoing issue of professionalism in women’s sport.
James Nokise Photo: To be decided
