In a thrilling throwback, the cricketing world recalls one of Meg Lanning’s most courageous innings — battling food poisoning and still managing to lead Australia in the 2016 ICC Women’s World T20 opener against South Africa.
The determined skipper fought through a sudden bout of gastroenteritis to help the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars survive a serious scare in Nagpur. Lanning missed the toss and part of South Africa’s innings due to illness, but returned heroically to walk in at No. 6 and joined Alex Blackwell in an unbeaten, match-winning partnership that saw Australia reach their target of 103 with six wickets and nine balls to spare.
Moments before the toss at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Lanning collapsed near the boundary and had to be helped back to the dressing room. Vice-captain Alex Blackwell took charge at the toss and on the field during Lanning’s initial absence. Although the captain returned midway through South Africa’s innings, she had to leave the field again for the final 35 minutes. As per ICC playing conditions, this meant she was ineligible to bat for the same duration in Australia’s innings.
Lanning’s return came at a crucial moment as Australia’s top order collapsed dramatically. Though Nagpur was expected to assist spin, it was South Africa’s pace attack — led by Shabnim Ismail and Marizanne Kapp — that stunned Australia.
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3 for 9: That was Australia’s score at one point as Ismail and Kapp tore through the top order.
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Alyssa Healy – 5 (dismissed by Ismail)
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Ellyse Perry – 0 (dismissed next over by Kapp)
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Elyse Villani – 4 (chopped on, bowled by Ismail)
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With Lanning still off the field, Blackwell and Jess Jonassen attempted damage control. Their 44-run stand brought stability, but Jonassen was stumped for 19, giving South Africa an opening.
With the score at 4 for 53, Lanning was finally eligible to bat. Despite visibly battling illness, she strode to the crease with composure. Her fourth delivery was sent to the boundary — a signal of her intent.
Her unbeaten 30 off 19 balls, laced with five boundaries, turned the match. Alongside Blackwell, who remained steady with 38 off 45*, the pair guided Australia home from a potential disaster.
Earlier in the match, Australia’s bowlers laid a solid foundation:
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South Africa reached 72/1 at one stage, but lost 6 for 26 in a late-innings collapse.
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Kristen Beams broke the van Niekerk–Chetty partnership with a mistimed reverse sweep caught brilliantly by Rene Farrell.
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Lauren Cheatle and Ellyse Perry closed out the innings with identical figures of 2/13.
South Africa managed only 102/7, failing to hit a single boundary after the 11th over.
In the end, it was Meg Lanning’s courage that defined the match. Battling illness, missing the toss, and entering the field at a moment of crisis, she displayed the composure and grit that has made her one of the most respected leaders in world cricket. Her presence steadied the innings and sealed a win that may not feature in the record books for its scoreline, but will always be remembered for its spirit.
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