Beth Mooney continued her blitzkrieg in the Women's T20 World Cup 2023's title clash against South Africa on Sunday (February 26). Australian star opener Mooney played a robust knock of 74 off 53 help the defending champions post a challenging total of 156/6 against South Africa.
After dependable opener Alyssa Healy was 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.
Meanwhile, Mooney created flurry of records riding on her exceptional knock in the summit clash against Sune Luus' side. Mooney became the first-ever player to score two fifties in the T20 World Cup finals. Mooney completed her 18th WT20I half-century in the 18th over off 44 balls. The 29-year-old's unbeaten 78 off 54 against India Women in the 2020 final guided Australia to glory. Australia Women won the match by 85 runs, having successfully defended 184/4. For her stunning show she was declared the Player of the Tournament back then.
Another record which Mooney registered is that her 74-run knock is now the third-highest individual score in a Women's T20 World Cup final. Notably, Mooney occupies the top spot on this list (78* against India Women, 2020 final).
Not just this, Mooney also became the third Australian woman to have touched the 2,300-run mark in T20Is. She has amassed 2,350 runs from 83 WT20Is at a remarkable average of 40.51. The tally includes a strike rate of 124.60. Mooney is only behind Meg Lanning and Alyssa Healy in terms of runs.
Notably, Lanning became the first Australian and second overall woman with 3,400 T20I runs.
The best part about all of Mooney's record is that it came in Australia's winning cause as the Meg Lanning's side downed South Africa by 19 runs. With this Australia clinched their sixth Women's T20 World Cup title to deny Proteas their first ever chance to taste the glory.
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