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Australia sealed their record sixth Women's T20 World Cup title after beating South Africa by 19 runs in the summit clash in Cape Town on Sunday (February 26). Riding on Beth Mooney's cracking 74 off 53 Australia posted a competitive total of 156/6. In reply, South Africa put up a gritty fight but after a slow start, wilted in pressure and ran out of steam at the end and were bundled out for 137/6 handing Men Lanning's side an easy victory.
With this win Australia completed their hat-trick of Women's T20 World Cup title in a total of seven editions of the marquee tournament.
Ashleigh Gardner was adjudged the Player of the Tournament for her stunning all-round efforts during the Women’s T20 World Cup 2023. The outstanding Gardner took ten wickets and smashed 110 runs in Australia’s triumphant campaign, playing a huge part in helping the team to a sixth Women’s T20 World Cup title.
After the match the 25-year-old said that proud is probably as understatement for the impact we have had globally as a team.
“We have been longing for this moment since the last World Cup. We weren't in winning positions in certain phases, but we scrapped and got through. Probably the semifinal performance with the bat against India was the best of this tournament for me. We have won this tournament. We spoke about wanting to do this, so really proud. Confidence in my bowling. I have bowled quite a bit even in the Big Bash. Thankfully it (form) has come into international cricket as well. Proud is probably as understatement for the impact we have had globally as a team. Very fortunate to be part of this team and it something later in life I am going to be super proud of,” Gardner said.
And the 25-year-old was outstanding in the final too, smashing 29 from 21 balls to give the Australian innings some impetus after being promoted to number three, and taking an extremely tidy 1/20 from her four overs of off-spin to help keep South Africa's batters at bay.
Meanwhile, Australian skipper Meg Lanning was also ecstatic after team's brilliant performance while led to title glory.
“Pretty special effort from the group. We knew teams will come hard at us, so super proud. Our powerplay with the ball was excellent, that really set the tone. We got some good experience with the group. Enjoyed our time in South Africa. Amazing tournament. It's a special group. Not just the players, the support stafff too. Thank you very much to everyone, family and friends. All the support from back home and here, it's been amazing,” Lanning said after the match.
Mooney remained the star of the match as she took up the mantle after dependable opener Alyssa Healy dismissed for 18 runs. Mooney joined forces with Ashleigh Gardner (29) to do the rebuilding work for the team. The in-form batter, who had scored 54 runs against India in the semifinal, displayed remarkable skills by hitting nine boundaries and a six at a strike rate of almost 140, making it difficult for the Proteas bowlers.
After winning the Player of the Match award, Mooney said,"Very special win. Incredible to be here in South Africa and play in a ground as special as this. I wasn't really calm in the middle. The girls will tell you later. The crowd were very impressive. It was a really tough wicket and I was a little too hard on myself in the middle. Really disappointed with my outings in the first couple of games. But the team always believed in me to turn it around. The whole squad, support staff have been amazing."
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