Lanning fires in warm-up victory

A FINE half century from Meg Lanning and a dominant bowling performance have secured Australia a 46-run win over South Africa in their Women’s World T20 warm-up clash in Guyana.

Captain Lanning won the toss and elected to bat at the National Stadium in Providence — where the Aussies will play their four group matches at the tournament which commences on Saturday (AEDT) — and made 4-130 from their 20 overs after recovering from a horror start.

The Proteas batters found the conditions tough and managed just 9-84 in reply, with left-arm offspinner Jess Jonassen the pick of the Australian bowlers.

Australia’s innings started disastrously with Alyssa Healy (seven), Ashleigh Gardner (0) and Elyse Villani (0) dismissed within three overs to leave them reeling at 3-8.

Lanning’s arrival was the catalyst for a revival and she put on 30 with opener Beth Mooney (24) before an unbeaten stand of 92 from just 59 balls with her deputy Rachael Haynes (29 from 27 balls) turned the game.

Lanning finished unbeaten on 65, striking eight fours and a six in her 51-ball knock.

Young quick Tayla Vlaeminck was given the new ball for Australia and she struck with her first delivery, removing the dangerous Lizelle Lee.

It was the beginning of a constant loss of wickets for the Proteas with Chloe Tryon, just one of three batters to reach double figures, top scoring with 14.