Australia continue their unbeaten run in the ongoing Women’s World Cup after beating South Africa by five wickets on March 22 (Tuesday). On the other hand, South Africa suffered their first defeat in the ongoing Women’s World Cup. Australia skipper Meg Lanning scored a stunning century to help her side in securing a victory with 28 balls to spare.
A positive start
Batting first, South Africa registered a total of 271 for five in 50 overs. South Africa opening batters started their innings on a positive note as they notched a solid partnership of 88 runs. Australia spinner Alana King dismissed Lizelle Lee (36 runs off 44 balls) in the 20th over of the innings to earn a crucial breakthrough for her side.
On the other hand, another South Africa opener Laura Wolvaardt kept on batting as she eventually went on to score a brilliant 90 off 134 balls. Her innings was comprised of 6 boundaries. Later, South Africa skipper Sune Luus scored a half-century (52 runs off 51 balls) to help her side in reaching a solid total. The South Africa skipper smashed 6 boundaries to earn her fifty.
Eventually, Marizanne Kapp scored a quick-fire 30 off 21 balls to help South Africa in reaching 271.
For Australia, their bowlers- Megan Schutt, Jess Jonassen, Ashleigh Gardner, Annabel Sutherland and Alana King picked up one wicket each.
Australia run chase
In reply, Australia could not start their run chase pretty convincingly as they lost their two opening batters within first 11 overs. But Australia skipper Lanning exhibited some amazing batting skills to score a century (135 runs not out off 130 balls). Her innings was comprised of 15 boundaries and 1 six.
The Australia captain enjoyed a 60-run partnership with Beth Mooney (21 runs off 23 balls) and then another crucial partnership of 93 runs with all-rounder Tahlia McGrath (32 runs off 35 balls) put Australia in a dominant position to clinch a victory.
Eventually, Australia won the match with 28 balls to spare in order to cement the top spot in the league standings. On the other hand, with this defeat, South Africa conceded their first loss of the ongoing World Cup as they won their remaining four matches.
