Australia’s unbeaten run in this World Cup remained untouched as they registered yet another victory against South Africa in Match 15 at the St George’s Oval. Australia won the toss and decided to bowl first.
The opening duo of South Africa, Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, gave a fine start to South Africa, and even though the former was taking time to settle in, Brits was attacking from the get-go. They ensured a good powerplay for South Africa, and it was only Wolvaardt’s dismissal by Ellyse Perry for 19 when Australia got the first breakthrough. Marizanne Kapp was also dismissed without much impact. The next over saw Tazmin Brits get dismissed for a well-played 45, which was a massive jolt for South Africa. Sune Luus kept the South Africa boat afloat, but with Chloe Tryon and Delmari Tucker getting out cheaply, Luus followed suit getting out for 20. However, last-minute efforts by Nadine de Klerk, who chipped in with 14, helped South Africa post a modest 124/6. Georgia Wareham was brilliant, scalping 2 wickets in an economic spell were ably supported by Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown, Ellyse Perry, and Ashleigh Gardner, who chipped in with a wicket each to restrict the South African bowling.
Tahlia McGrath smashed a quickfire half-century for Australia. 👏🙌
She was dismissed by Laura Wolvaardt off Masabata Klaas’ bowling#CricketTwitter #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Z38HX5fdoS
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) February 18, 2023
What seemed like an easy run chase was made quite interesting by the South African bowlers. Marizanne Kapp got the first breakthrough by dismissing Ellyse Perry for 11, and with Nonkululeko Mlaba getting rid of Meg Lanning for 1, Australia seemed to be losing focus in their run chase. However, Ashleigh Gardner and Tahlia McGrath put up a brilliant partnership. Even though the latter was dismissed for a well-played 57, Australia still managed to chase down the total comfortably without much hassle. Kapp, with her two wickets, was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa, but because the total was well within reach, it did not seem daunting.
🇦🇺 Australia won by 6 Wickets
🇿🇦 South Africa: 124-6 (20)
Tazmin Brits: 45 (36)
Sune Luus: 20 (24)
Georgia Wareham: 2-18🇦🇺 Australia: 125-4 (16.3)
Tahlia McGrath: 57 (33)
Ashleigh Gardner: 28* (29)
Marizanne Kapp: 2-21#CricketTwitter #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/J025ojduNL— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) February 18, 2023
Brief Scores: SA- 124/6 in 20 overs (T Brits 45, S Luus 20; G Wareham 2/18, E Perry 1/8) lost AUS- 125/4 in 16.3 overs (T McGrath 57, A Gardner 28*; M Kapp 2/21, M Klaas 1/18) by six wickets and 21 balls to spare
I am a first year postgraduate student pursuing a MA in Media and Communication Studies at Christ University, Bengaluru. I am a podcaster, blogger and an avid cricket fan. When not glued to cricket matches, you can find me submerged in books and thinking about cricket all the time.
