Australia too strong for Proteas in T20 WC final

Furuhashi tapping in from a Reo Hatate assist.

Michael Beale’s Rangers pulled one back in the 64th when James Tavernier

CRICKET

CAPE TOWN – Australia proved too strong for the Proteas in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final as they claimed a comfortable 19-run win in front of a packed crowd at Newlands in Cape Town yesterday afternoon.

Batting first, Australian stalwart Beth Mooney struck an important half-century to help her team set the Proteas 157 to win, before the hosts ran out of steam and finished on 137 for six in response.

It was a slow start to the chase that let the Proteas down, although opener Laura Wolvaardt went on to strike 61 off 48 balls (5x4; 3x6) in a losing cause in the end.

Australian legend Ellyse Perry was thrilled with another T20 World Cup delivered a cross from a free kick that was turned in by Alfredo Morelos, but despite late pressure they could not find an equaliser. triumph, admitting that things did get tense during the Proteas chase.

“Amazing game, I want to say a huge thank you to the crowd for the atmosphere. I know it didn’t go well for them. But it was good to be a part of this,” said Perry.

Exceptionally

“It was up and down in our bowling innings. Wolvaardt batted exceptionally well and her partnership with Chloe (Tryon) put them in it. It was tense till we broke that partnership. I think it is nice to contribute in the game. It is a thing you do as a team and it is more about effort than skill.”

The hosts only managed 13 without loss after the first four overs, and with the pressure mounting, Tazmin Brits (10) tried to relieve it by clearing the infield but only managed to find Tahlia McGrath at mid-on off the bowling of Darcie Brown with them on 17 for one after five overs.

Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp (11) continued to find the going tough as they combined for a 29-run partnership, but when Kapp was caught by Brown at short third off the bowling of Ashleigh Gardner, the Proteas were in trouble on 46 for two after nine overs.

Captain Sune Luus (2) was then run out after a disastrous mix-up in the middle, as the Proteas slipped further into the mire on 55 for three in the 11th over.

Chloe Tryon (25) joined Wolvaardt at the crease and they tried to drag the Proteas back into the contest with a solid 55-run fourth wicket stand off 35 balls.