ICC Women's T20 World Cup: Australia enter sixth final
A 5-run victory (D/L method) over South Africa steered the Australian Women's team into the final of the 2020 Women's T20 World Cup. Having already won the tournament a record four times, Australia will make their sixth appearance in the tournament's history. Although the rain threat loomed over the high-voltage semi-final, as South Africa were given a revised target after the first innings.
The Australian skipper led from the front
Batting first, skipper Meg Lanning's 49-run knock powered Australia to 134-5 at the end of the first innings. The Australian top order was on fire with openers Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy giving them a solid start. Rachael Haynes rescued the innings after Australia were reduced to 71/4. For South Africa, Nadine de Klerk emanated the comeback claimed three scalps.
Australia Women were sans Perry in the semi-final
Interestingly, this was the first ever match for Australia in Women's T20 World Cup without Ellyse Perry in the playing XI. Perry had featured in all the 36 matches played by Australia Women in the tournament's history before today.
The Proteas yet again choked at the crucial stage
The Proteas had to chase 98 in 13 as per the revised conditions since the match was delayed due to rain. While the Proteas were off to a decent start, Sophie Molineux and Megan Schutt removed both the openers early on. A 47-run stand between Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus brought back South Africa, but Schutt's spell restricted them to 92.
Australia will play a record sixth final
Australia Women have won four out of the last five T20 World Cup tournaments since 2010. Although West Indies won the final in 2016, Australia reclaimed the title in 2018. Furthermore, Australia have featured in the knockout stage in every edition. The Meg Lanning-led side will now stake claim for a fifth title in the upcoming final against India.
India will aim for their maiden World Cup title
India and Australia have faced each other four times in the World Cup history and both have won two. Moreover, the Harmanpreet-led side trounced Australia by 17 runs in the low-scoring tournament opener. Overall, Australia have beaten India in 13 T20Is and lost 6. The two teams will lock horns in the final at the MCG on March 8.
