Australia Women’s captain, Meg Lanning cashed in last night at the Providence Stadium with a solid half century to see her side defeat South Africa by 46 runs in their latest International Cricket Council Women’s World T20 Tournament.
With overcast conditions, Australia won the toss and elected to bat, recovering after an early collapse to post 130-4 in their allotted overs before returning to limit South Africa to 84-9 in their 20 overs.
Australia were rocked early by Alyssa Healy falling to Shabnim Ismail, who struck twice in the second over, just after Australia were awarded five penalty points for hitting the wicketkeeper’s helmet. Marizanne Kapp removed Elyse Villani for a second – ball duck while Sune Luus also got into the action with the wicket of Beth Mooney. Mooney made 24 from 31 balls including three boundaries as Australia were reduced to 38-4 at the halfway stage.
However, the second half of the innings belonged to Australia as Lanning smashed 65 not out from 5 balls, carving eight fours and one six over mid-wicket. The Australian skipper was supported by Rachael Haynes as they shared a 92-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Haynes clobbered 29 from 27 balls, hitting three boundaries along the way.
Ismail ended with 2-19 while Luus and Kapp returned 1-15 and 1-36 respectively.
In reply, Lizeelle Lee was dismissed off the first ball of the innings but revived themselves with Robyn Searle and Laura Wolvaardt facing seven overs to move the scoreboard to 17 before Searle was bowled by Delissa Kimmince.
With wickets tumbling, Luus and Mignon Du Preez shared in an 18-run partnership while Chloe Tryon and Du Preez shared 17 runs. Tryon top scored with 15 from 10 deliveries.
Jess Jonassen was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3-11 and was complimented by Tayla Vlaeminck finished with 2-10 and Nicola Carey with 2-12.
