Three-time defending champions Australia stepped closer to their fourth successive Women’s World Twenty20 title with an impressive five-run win over arch-rivals England in the first semi-final in Delhi. Australia posted a total of 132/6 after being sent on to bat on a slow pitch.
Their innings was crafted by captain Meg Lanning who scored 55 of 50 balls. She came on to bat after the fall of the first wicket in the sixth over and stayed on till the end to help her country post their highest total of the tournament.
World No 1. Lanning hit six boundaries, but opener Alyssa Healy (25) was the only other player to cross 20. Australia, who were 121/3 after 18 overs, conceded ground by losing three wickets in the final two overs for the addition of just 11 runs. Natalie Sciver was England’s most successful bowler with 2/22 while Laura Marsh finished with 1/18.
Chasing 133 to win, England was restricted to 127/7 in their stipulated 20 overs, despite an opening stand of 67 between skipper Charlotte Edwards (31) and Tammy Beaumont (32) in 10 overs. England was coasting at 89/1 in the 14th over but then managed just another 38 runs for the loss of six wickets as Australia turned on the screws. Megan Schutt claimed 2/15.
Australia now awaits the winner of Thursday’s second semi-final between New Zealand and the West Indies in Mumbai in the title clash at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday.
Lanning said the key to winning was her team’s good start when 41 runs came during the first six PowerPlay overs.
We knew the PowerPlay was crucial and that got us ahead. We were able to build on the momentum. And the bowlers did a great job to pull things back.Meg Lanning, Captain, Australian Women’s Cricket Team
Lanning said it did not matter whether undefeated New Zealand or the West Indies made it to the final.
We don’t mind facing either of them. New Zealand has obviously done well so far in the tournament and the West Indies are capable of doing anything, even putting 160 on the board. It should be a good match and we will be ready for either of them.Meg Lanning
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)